The Association of British Mining Engineering and Consultancy (ABMEC) is the UK trade body for the mining supply chain, bringing together companies that provide equipment, engineering capability, consultancy, technology and specialist support to operations worldwide. As the dedicated voice for British mining suppliers, ABMEC plays a vital role in strengthening the sector’s international profile and helping members grow their businesses.
Building on the UK’s long-standing mining heritage, ABMEC represents businesses working across surface and underground mining, hard and soft rock extraction, minerals processing and specialist engineering services. Its member companies employ thousands of people and supply equipment, services and expertise to domestic and international markets, contributing to safer, more innovative and more sustainable mining practices worldwide.
ABMEC has recently set out a renewed vision: for the UK mining supply chain to be recognised worldwide for its expertise, innovation, sustainability and responsible leadership, with ABMEC acting as the trusted voice championing its success across the full mining lifecycle. Its mission is to promote members’ capabilities, foster meaningful connections and collaboration, and support growth across equipment, technology, services, consultancy, assurance, safety, sustainability and lifecycle support, both nationally and internationally. It will do this by:
- Championing members’ companies and interests to mine operators and governments, at home and abroad.
- Driving valuable introductions and business opportunities that create meaningful connections, drawing on our relationships with government, trade associations and industry bodies.
- Offering opportunities for members to collaborate and contribute their perspectives on issues of shared interest.
- Supporting sector growth through trade missions and other events that showcase members’ products, services and expertise.
- Promoting innovation across the supply chain.
- Supporting members to lead by example in safety and sustainability, embedding high-quality standards across their operations and the wider sector.
- Collaborating on future sector standards and contributing to industry best practice.
- Addressing the growing skills gap and supporting young people to enter the industry.
The purpose is simple yet powerful: to help members achieve more collectively than they could individually.
One of ABMEC’s key strengths is its commitment to promoting British engineering excellence on the world stage. This includes building strong relationships with international organisations, government departments and industry bodies, with recent engagement involving DBT Canada, DBT Argentina, the Algeria British Business Council and potential trade mission opportunities in Kazakhstan.
ABMEC is committed to representing British organisations overseas and supporting members at international exhibitions, including Future Mining Expo in Poland and The Mining Show in Dubai, with further opportunities planned for the coming years. This international activity compliments one of the association’s most significant annual platforms: the ABMEC Annual Conference and Exhibition.
As demand grows for the minerals required to support infrastructure development, renewable energy and the global transition to net zero, organisations such as ABMEC have never been more important. Through industry leadership, international collaboration and a commitment to innovation, the association continues to support the businesses that power the mining supply chain.
The ABMEC Annual Conference and Exhibition
The ABMEC Annual Conference and Exhibition is the highlight of the association’s calendar. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading mining sector events, it brings together suppliers, manufacturers, consultants, operators, educators, policymakers and senior leaders for two days of learning, networking and collaboration.
Held in partnership with the Mining Association of the United Kingdom (MAUK), the conference provides a valuable platform for exploring the future of mining and the role of technology, engineering and innovation in meeting global demand for minerals and resources. Attendees can hear from expert speakers, explore emerging trends and gain insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.
A major feature of the event is its extensive exhibition, where companies can showcase their organisations and, for the first time, members will have the opportunity to demonstrate equipment in an outdoor arena. From automation and digital solutions to advanced machinery and consultancy services, exhibitors will demonstrate how new ideas and technologies are transforming mining. The exhibition also creates valuable space for businesses to connect with customers, suppliers and potential partners.
Networking is another cornerstone of the event. Delegates can engage with senior decision-makers, technical specialists, government representatives and industry peers in an environment designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing. Whether discussing operational challenges, commercial opportunities or future partnerships, attendees consistently cite networking as one of the conference’s greatest benefits.
Alongside its support for established businesses and professionals, ABMEC is committed to inspiring and developing the next generation of talent. Through its Future Talent Initiative, the association offers a limited number of students the opportunity to attend its Annual Conference and Exhibition free of charge, giving them direct access to industry leaders, emerging technologies and the latest insights shaping the sector’s future.
The initiative gives students the chance to build professional networks, explore potential career pathways, and see first-hand how mining is advancing innovation, sustainability, and responsible practice. Students do not need to be studying mining or engineering; they simply need to be open to a career in the sector and willing to engage fully with the opportunity. First introduced in 2025, the initiative was a significant success, with one student securing an internship through contacts made at the event.
The ABMEC Annual Conference and Exhibition reflects this wider mission. It is more than an industry event; it is a showcase of British capability, a forum for new ideas and a celebration of the people and organisations driving mining engineering and consultancy forward.
Dr Kate Thornton, CEO of ABMEC, encourages anyone involved in the sector to attend the conference, which remains one of the most important opportunities of the year to connect, learn and help shape the future of mining.
Incoming President Julia Cameron of Mutech Ltd anticipates one of the strongest conferences to date, with exciting speaker announcements to come and exhibitor spaces filling quickly.
Save the date and be part of this informative and insightful event from 24–26 November 2026 at Forest Pines Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Brigg.
For more information, contact events@abmec.org.uk.
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