Since 1981, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has been battling on behalf of hundreds of Australian miners, explorers, and resource service businesses.
AMEC is not just another industry group – it is the collective voice and support system of Australia’s mineral exploration and mining sector.
⛏️ Let’s dig into how AMEC helps its members thrive, from boardrooms to drill rigs, in an ever-changing industry landscape.
• Quick Overview •
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) is the peak national industry body representing the interests of over 500 mining and mineral exploration companies across Australia.
Started by a handful of forward-thinking explorers over four decades ago, AMEC has evolved alongside Australia’s mining boom-and-bust cycles.
Today it is regarded as a credible and effective advocate by government and industry alike, with a track record of influence that punches well above its lean size.
Its membership spans explorers, emerging miners, producers, and a wide range of businesses and service providers that support the industry.
In other words, AMEC brings together the whole mining ecosystem – from junior exploration companies to large mining firms and the consultants, contractors, and experts who work with them
• Why Join AMEC? •
For Australian mining and exploration businesses, joining AMEC comes with some big advantages. Here are a few key benefits members highlight:
Influence: AMEC’s advocacy on behalf of members has led to real wins – from tax reforms to incentive programs. AMEC was instrumental in the introduction of the Exploration Development Incentive (which carved the way to the current Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive, JMEI) and the recent Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive, among other measures to support the industry.
Collectively, AMEC speaks to governments with the weight of hundreds of companies behind it, ensuring policymakers hear the industry’s perspective. This unified approach often achieves policy outcomes that individual companies alone cannot.
Regulatory Changes: Mining is heavily regulated and rules can change quickly. AMEC keeps its members ahead of the curve on regulatory, policy, and political changes. As a result, members can receive regular updates, alerts, and analyses on everything from environmental regulations to royalty reviews.
It is like having an early-warning radar for your company – you hear about potential changes early and can plan accordingly.
Networking: With Australia’s largest and most diverse membership in the resource industry, AMEC creates countless opportunities to connect.
Regular networking lunches, seminars, and conferences bring together geologists, CEOs, investors, and even government ministers in relaxed, yet professional settings.
Industry Insights: AMEC serves as an information hub for members. Through newsletters, industry reports, and events, members stay informed about market trends, new technologies, and opportunities in minerals (from gold to critical minerals).
For explorers chasing the next big discovery, hearing about the latest exploration tech or government grants can be game-changing. AMEC makes sure its members aren’t caught off guard by industry shifts.
• Networking & Events •
One of the standout benefits of AMEC membership is access to a rich calendar of networking events and industry forums. Forget stuffy conferences – AMEC events are known for being engaging, insightful, and entertaining with the added bonus of good food and drink.
Regular member lunches: In cities across Australia, AMEC regularly hosts member-only lunches that often feature guest speakers including mining directors, government ministers, and industry leaders.
These lunches provide a comfortable environment to obtain insights from industry gurus, company updates from fellow miners, and to chat directly with key decision-makers – the very people who shape policy or drive major projects. These lunches are hands down one of our favourite events to attend, such as the regular Brisbane lunch co-organised by AMEC and Rob Murdoch’s Austex.
Briefings and workshops: AMEC hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year, each tailored to a specific industry need – from investor-focused forums to health and safety workshops.
For example, the Investor Briefings, such as the inaugural Adelaide event supported by Canaccord Genuity, give junior and mid-tier companies a dynamic platform to showcase their innovations, highlight future growth plans, and connect with potential backers.
Meanwhile, Work Health and Safety Spotlights bring together regulators, researchers, and OH&S experts to explore key topics like mental health, safety regulations, and best practices. Finally, sessions like the NSW Exploration Safety Workshop provide practical strategies and compliance updates directly from leading authorities, ensuring participants stay ahead of evolving regulations.
• Industry Advocacy •
Staying ahead of regulatory and political shifts is critical in mining – and it is an area where AMEC truly has its members’ backs. The organisation works closely with all levels of government to make sure the voice of the mining and exploration sector is heard loud and clear.
AMEC’s team is constantly engaging ministers, departments, and regulators, lobbying for a fair and competitive business environment for all miners.
Over the years, AMEC’s advocacy has notched up significant wins. They’ve helped slash red tape and reduce costs for explorers by advocating for streamlined approvals and co-funded drilling programs. They have fought for and won tax relief and championed incentives that drive investment into exploration
This approach means even small companies feel they have a say. Through AMEC’s working groups and committees, members big and small can help shape submissions and advocacy positions.
In short, AMEC keeps its members ahead of the curve. Instead of reacting after laws are passed, members are often aware and prepared (sometimes even in the room when decisions are being formed). This proactive edge is crucial – making it easier to plan your next big project without worrying about unexpected regulatory changes.
– The Bottom Line –
For anyone in Australia’s exploration and mining game – whether you’re drilling the next big discovery, running a producing mine, or providing services to the sector – AMEC offers a community and support system that is hard to replicate.
AMEC keeps you connected, informed, and ready – it is like having a safety net and springboard in one.
It is part industry watchdog, part networking club, part knowledge centre, all rolled into one.
Special thank you and shoutout to key AMEC personnel including Gary Low, Jane Noble, Kate Dickson, and Warren Pearce.
Find out more about AMEC along with membership options at: https://amec.org.au/
Links:
- Mining Digital’s article on AMEC
- About AMEC
- AMEC – Championing Australia’s Resource Industry article on Linkedin
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