Legends in mining

Honouring the Icons of Global Mining

Legends In Mining

This page celebrates the individuals who have shaped the mining industry through exceptional leadership, innovation, and vision. It recognises past recipients, invites future nominations, and champions the values of excellence and legacy. It also promotes the prestigious Gala Dinners, reinforcing Beacons role as a driving force in global mining leadership.

Each year, Beacon recognises extraordinary individuals whose contributions have left an enduring mark on the mining sector. Two hallmark honours anchor this recognition:

International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC)

Legend in Mining Award
IMARC, Sydney

Celebrating those who have made a profound and lasting impact on Australia's mining sector and beyond.

Resourcing Tomorrow

Lifetime Achievement Award
Resourcing Tomorrow, London

Recognising a career defined by dedication, contribution, and legacy on the global mining stage.

These honours are presented at the flagship Gala Dinners - unmissable evenings of celebration, connection, and recognition within the global mining calendar.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

Alongside the Lifetime Achievement and Legend in Mining honours, the Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate a broader range of individuals and initiatives that are leading by example across the sector. From groundbreaking innovations to strategic impact, each recipient reflects the ambition, talent, and values that define the very best of the mining industry.

Celebrating individuals and initiatives that redefine excellence in mining

Legend in Mining Award

This award celebrates individuals and initiatives that redefine excellence in mining, highlighting one of the industry's most prestigious accolades.

A highlight of IMARC, the Legend in Mining Award recognises an individual whose career has had a transformative impact on the sector - across Australia and internationally. It celebrates not only decades of leadership, innovation, and resilience, but also a legacy of mentorship and industry advancement.

Charles Copeman

2011: Charles Copeman

David Moore

2012: David Moore

Deputy Chairman and founding Managing Director, Mincor Resources
Dr Paul S Heithersay

2013: Dr Paul S Heithersay

Chief Executive of the Department for Energy and Mining
Mark Bennett

2014: Mark Bennett

Executive Chairman, S2 Resources
Gina Rinehart

2015: Gina Rinehart

Executive Chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting
John Elliston

2015: John Elliston

Jake Klein

2016: Jake Klein

Executive Chairman, Evolution Mining
Nev Power

2017: Nev Power

Former CEO of Fortescue Metals Group
Bill Beament

2018: Bill Beament

Former CEO of Northern Star Resources Ltd
Mick Wilkes

2019: Mick Wilkes

Former President/CEO/Mng Dir at Oceanagold Corp
Mitchell H Hooke AM

2022: Mitchell H Hooke AM

Former Chief Executive Officer at Minerals Council of Australia
Elizabeth Lewis-Grey

2023: Elizabeth Lewis-Grey

Co-founder and Chair of Gekko Systems
Dr. David Ransom

2024: Dr. David Ransom

Dr. David Ransom

2025: Owen Hegarty

Executive Chair of EMR Capital

Recognising a career defined by impact, leadership, and global legacy

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented at Resourcing Tomorrow in London, the Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual whose lifelong contributions have helped shape the mining industry on a global scale. This distinguished accolade celebrates not just achievements, but the influence, mentorship, and visionary thinking that define a lasting legacy.

From operational excellence and policy influence to championing innovation and sustainability, recipients are trailblazers who continue to inspire the future of mining.

More than a reflection of past success, this award stands as a tribute to those whose work continues to move the industry forward.

David Lowell

2012: David Lowell

Ian Henderson

2013: Ian Henderson

Dr Richard Silitoe

2014: Dr Richard Silitoe

Pierre Lassonde

2015: Pierre Lassonde

Ned Goodman

2016: Ned Goodman

Mark Bristow

2017: Mark Bristow

Peter Hambro

2018: Peter Hambro

Mark Cutifani

2020: Mark Cutifani

Lukas Lundin

2022: Lukas Lundin

Deborah A McCombe

2023: Deborah A McCombe

Dr. Gina Rinehart

2024: Dr. Gina Rinehart

Do you know someone whose contributions deserve the spotlight?

Nominate a legend

We're accepting nominations for the next Legend in Mining and Lifetime Achievement honourees. If they’ve made an exceptional impact in exploration, sustainability, innovation, leadership, or policy - submit your nomination today.

Submit a nomination

Align your brand with the most respected names in mining

Partner with prestige

Sponsoring the Legend in Mining or Lifetime Achievement Awards offers unmatched exposure to influential industry leaders, government officials, and key decision-makers. From exclusive on-stage visibility to curated networking opportunities during our black-tie Gala Dinners in Sydney and London, your support places your organisation at the heart of mining excellence.

Whether you're seeking brand prestige, deal-making access, or long-term positioning in the global mining ecosystem, we offer bespoke sponsorship packages tailored to your goals.

Enquire About Sponsorship Opportunities

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