Get ready as Australia’s largest regional mining event returns in 2026.
The Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has received significant industry backing ahead of its return to Mackay in July 2026, with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) confirmed as an official association partner.
As a leading voice for the state’s resources sector, QRC plays a critical role in advocating for a sustainable regulatory environment and promoting excellence in health, safety, environmental performance, diversity and industry leadership.
QRC’s support marks a milestone in QME’s evolution as a platform not only for showcasing innovation but also for shaping the future direction of the industry.
QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said in a statement that the event highlights the resources sector as a major direct contributor to the Mackay regional economy, with significant flow-on benefits to local supply chains supporting new and existing businesses.
“QME is now a major event on the Queensland resources calendar and, as the industry’s peak body, QRC is proud to be involved as the official association partner,” Hewson said.
“The exhibition also takes the resources sector to the wider public and shares the innovation and world-best practices that are homegrown in Queensland.
“QRC encourages industry members to get behind this event, which is being held in the heart of one of Queensland’s powerhouse resources regions.
“I am looking forward to QRC playing a part in QME 2026, showcasing what’s best about our sector and the opportunities we have to secure a strong future for the industry as global demand continues for all of our commodities.”
Hewson will deliver a keynote address as part of the QME conference program, while QRC will also have a presence in the exhibition to engage directly with industry stakeholders.
Held in Mackay, the heart of Queensland’s mining sector, QME has long been the state’s premier mining exhibition. Now entering its fourth decade, it remains Australia’s largest regional mining event and a key meeting place for industry professionals from across the country and beyond.
Following a highly successful rebooking phase, QME 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest in the event’s history, with many major suppliers already confirmed to return, including ATOM, Brooks/XCMG, Busch ANZ, EATON, Endress & Hauser, Flexco, Hidrive, Hitachi, Hoses24, MATO Australia, Radical Torque Solutions, Sime Darby Group, Regal Rexnord, MOTION, and WEG Industries.
QME 2026 will once again feature hundreds of exhibitors, live demonstrations and a comprehensive conference program tackling key topics such as workforce development, safety innovation and productivity. The event will feature hundreds of suppliers and is expected to attract thousands of visitors across the three days.
Making its return in 2026 is the free-to-attend leadership series, which will provide direct benefits across several mining functions.
The popular QME Mining Pavilion will also return, providing a dedicated space for mining companies to share insights, showcase initiatives, and connect with the broader supply chain.
Now fully integrated under the Prime Creative Media banner, the 2026 iteration of QME is clearly shaping up as the go-to destination to witness supplier innovation and the world-class capabilities of the state’s mining industry.
Prime Creative Media marketing manager – mining events Rebecca Todesco said the exhibition’s success comes down to the strength and pride of the industry it represents.
“It’s where the entire sector comes together, from operators to innovators, to connect, collaborate and showcase what’s next,” Todesco said.
“There’s a certain energy when the industry gathers in one place for QME that comes from shared challenges, bold ideas, and a collective drive to lead the way forward.”
QME 2026 will be held at the Mackay Showgrounds from July 21–23. For more information, visit the QME 2026 website.
