One of the Australia’s leading mining events is gearing up for a return in July 2026.
For more than three decades, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has been a premier event on the state’s mining calendar.
After a record-breaking instalment in 2024, where more than 5000 visitors descended on Mackay Showgrounds, QME will make its return in July 2026, again taking place in Mackay – the beating heart of Queensland’s mining industry.
With hundreds of suppliers, live demonstrations, a thought-provoking leadership series, and an array of delegate networking opportunities, QME is the ultimate showcase of supplier innovation and excellence and will platform the world-class capabilities of Queensland.
Following a successful rebooking phase, QME 2026 is officially open to the industry, with some of the sector’s biggest names already snapping up their spots.
Hitachi, Motion, Regal Rexnord, Brooks/XCMG, Eaton, Flexco and MATO Australia have already signed on for next year. They will be accompanied by the likes of WEG Industries, ATOM, Busch ANZ, Endress & Hauser, Hidrive, Hoses24, Radical Torque Solutions and Sime Darby Group at QME 2026.
Prime Creative Media general manager events Siobhan Rocks said it’s an honour to continue the legacy of the event that has been a cornerstone of the Mackay mining calendar for years.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see the event return in 2026,” Rocks told Australian Mining. “QME has such a rich history, and we’re proud to build on that legacy with fresh ideas and renewed energy.
“Each edition is a chance to evolve while staying true to what makes it special. We’re excited to write the next chapter alongside the passionate people who drive the industry.”
Rocks said the team is excited to get back to Mackay and connect with the mining community in Queensland.
“Connecting with the local industry is at the heart of what we do,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, and celebrating the innovation and talent that make the region so unique.”
QME 2026 also sees the return of the Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC) as a key partner whose support over the years, Rocks said, has helped shape the event into what it is today.
“Their presence reflects the strong community behind this event, and we’re excited to work together again,” she said.
Rocks is also happy to have QME align with the Queensland Mining Awards again for 2026.
“Celebrating excellence in the industry alongside our event adds an extra layer of excitement and reinforces the strong sense of community we’re all part of,” she said. “It’s a great way to celebrate the incredible talent and passion that drives our industry.”
The BBMC hosts the state’s premier biennial mining industry awards – the Queensland Mining Awards – celebrating the spirit of innovation, excellence and collaboration across the sector.
The glittering awards gala will make its return alongside QME in 2026, once again recognising the outstanding innovations and productivity improvements implemented by mining companies, contractors and suppliers alike.
“QME is always such a significant celebration of the mining industry, so hosting our awards in the midst of that celebration helps to elevate QME even further,” BBMC director Jodie Currie said in a statement.
Currie said co-locating the events is significant – not just for the region but for the sector.
“This is the biggest event for the Queensland mining industry, not just for Mackay,” Currie said. “Going to the Queensland Mining Awards is a perfect opportunity for people to make the most of their networking, and we’ve already seen a strong indication that the event will be quite large again in 2026.”
QME 2026 will also see the return of the QME Mining Pavilion, where key mining companies and contractors will be on-site to showcase their initiatives and foster invaluable connections within the Queensland mining community.
The likes of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Glencore, Whitehaven Coal, Anglo American, Bravus, MacKellar Group and BUMA appeared at the QME Mining Pavilion in 2024.
QME 2026 will be held in Mackay from July 21–23. To take part in the event, visit queenslandminingexpo.com.au/getinvolved
This feature appeared in the July 2025 issue of Australian Mining.
