Davies, who is a judge at this year’s Queensland Mining Contractor Awards, joined Downer Group in calling for local contractors with new ideas to step forward.

“The need for innovation is a theme that I see recurring throughout the industry, from the top down. If there are businesses of any size out there that are saving time and money for their clients, they deserve to be praised for their efforts,” Davies said.

Contractors and suppliers working in Queensland’s mining industry have one week left to enter the Queensland Mining Contractor Awards. The Awards, now in their second year and the only awards in Australia to specifically recognise contractors, have drawn participation from all levels of the industry and government.

Davies recently retired following over 20 years as a Supply Chain professional in the resources sector.

Prior to holding the position of group manager, Transactional Transformation with Anglo American Global Supply Chain, she worked as a teacher before joining BHP in 1993, where she spent 10 years in a number of Supply Chain and Business Development Roles.

She then spent five years as an independent consultant, working with amongst others, Santos, Newcrest and Anglo American, before taking on the role of Regional Supply Chain Manager with Anglo American Coal which she held for six years.

Margaret holds a B.Ed from the University of Wales, and an MBA from the University of Newcastle (NSW).

Downer group COO Open Cut Kurt Baumgart said the contractors and suppliers adding value to the industry have earned their turn in the spotlight.

“Many contract operators and suppliers are at the leading edge of the industry, driving innovation and setting new benchmarks in efficiency,” he said.

“As we enter a new phase of mining in Queensland, the businesses that can use innovation to drive value throughout the supply chain are the ones who will be successful, and the Awards are a great opportunity for the industry to acknowledge those businesses.”