The APAC Mining Games is beginning to rear it's beautiful head...

Fig. 1. 2025 APAC Mining Games delegates at Langley Park

With the 2026 New Leaders Summit and APAC Mining Games quickly coming up in September, there is no better time for a point of reflection to the 2025 New Leaders Summit and APAC Mining Games, in which the Hunter Student Chapter was fortunate enough to send a team of competitors and delegates who gave it their all across the four days of Conferences, Career Opportunities and intense Mining Competition. One of our representatives at the NLS & APAC Games and Winner of the 'Spirit of the Games' Award for his altruistic nature, Patrick Ainsworth, has provided his experiences throughout the week, in which we are fortunate enough to hear from:

"2025 AusIMM National Mining Games… what a memory! 

From the challenges and competition to meeting fellow students and industry leaders from across Australia, the 2026 New Leaders Summit and APAC Mining Games remains one of the most immersive experiences myself and our Chapter has had the privilege of being apart of.

Perth was an amazing opportunity for our Chapter to show our skills and willingness to try everything regardless of our skill in that sector or the size of our Chapter.

The 2025 New Leaders Summit was a valuable learning opportunity for not only myself but also for the Chapter. We want to say a big thank you to all of the knowledgeable speakers and presenters we had the privilege to listen and gain insight from.

Now we are counting down to the 2026 New Leaders Summit and National Mining Games in Brisbane. With this year marking another milestone for our Chapter, not only are we sending one team, but two, including our first ever Women's team, showcasing our Chapter’s dedication for Women in Mining. Our Chapter is beyond excited to build on our knowledge and experience from last year and continue to grow our connections with people from other AusIMM chapters.

We would also like to say a massive thank you to all of our sponsors for helping make these opportunities possible. Any support, no matter how big or small makes these opportunities happen for our representatives and we would not be able to participate in these incredible opportunities if not for our sponsors.

Our 2026 APAC Mining Games Sponsors are Glencore, Groundsearch Australia, Hatch, Thiess, Xenith, Tactech Mine Planning, WGA, Bengalla, Douglas Partners, GHD, Engineers Australia, Bar on the Hill and ACPS.

We are looking for as much Industry involvement and engagement as is readily available, so if any organisations are interested in supporting our Chapter and partnering with our team, please reach out to our Industry Lead, Jarvis Juszczak.

Bring on Brisbane 2026; we see Gold Medals in our Future!!!

#DFCM #Hunterchapter #AusIMM"