Minerals Matter announces award winners at 2025 IQ Fellows Lunch

14 November, 2025

L-R: Clare Mayo and Helen Johnson, recruitment performance and process manager at Heidelberg Materials

Awards recognize individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to education, outreach, and innovation

THE 2025 Minerals Matter Awards were presented at the Institute of Quarrying Fellows Lunch, celebrating individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to education, outreach, and innovation in the minerals and quarrying sector.

The awards recognize the people and partnerships inspiring the next generation to explore careers in the industry, highlighting the creativity, collaboration, and commitment that foster engagement and learning.

Outreach Award – Helen Johnson, Heidelberg Materials

Helen Johnson, recruitment performance and process manager at Heidelberg Materials, received the Outreach Award for her exceptional work at the Big Bang Fair 2025 at the NEC. She played a leading role in planning and delivering the company’s creative and interactive stand, engaging over 5,000 young people and 35 teachers across the three-day event.

‘Her energy and commitment to inspiring young people about the industry exemplify the values at the heart of Minerals Matter,’ said Hannah Higley, future careers manager, Minerals Matter.

L-R: Loren Crisp and Jessica Roberts (Future Is Mine), with Hannah Higley (Minerals Matter)

Collaboration Award – Jessica Roberts and Loren Crisp, Future Is Mine

The Collaboration Award went to Jessica Roberts and Loren Crisp from Future is Mine, in recognition of their creativity and leadership in developing the Mineral Mission boxes throughout 2025. Their efforts have produced 12 innovative learning boxes, now available for Minerals Matter ambassadors and teachers to hire free of charge.

The resources bring the minerals sector to life for young people across the UK, providing educators with practical tools to support STEM and careers learning. The project highlights the impact of industry-education partnerships in inspiring future talent.

Innovation Award – Ben Lepley, SLR Consulting

Ben Lepley, mining ESG consultant at SLR Consulting, received the Innovation Award for his key role in securing funding for the Mineral Mission project through the Department for Business and Trade.

‘Ben’s dedication to outreach and passion for sharing his professional experience have been central to ensuring that Mineral Mission boxes are widely available across the UK,’ said Lisa Saunders, consultant, Minerals Matter.

Currently on a site visit in Nigeria, Ben sent a recorded message expressing his thanks and continued commitment to the project’s growth and impact.

L-R: Suzie Doe (Minerals Matter) and Ceri Travers (Breedon)

Education Award – Ceri Travers, Breedon

Ceri Travers, early careers manager at Breedon, was presented with the Education Award for leading two teacher encounter days in 2024 and 2025 at Breedon sites in Telford and Derbyshire.

The events gave 20 teachers the chance to meet six apprentices and gain first-hand insight into the wide range of career pathways within the minerals sector. Delivered in partnership with Breedon, the East Midlands and The Marches Careers Hubs, and the University of Derby, the initiative highlights the impact of industry-education collaboration in inspiring future talent.

Following the awards, John Austin from the Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby shared feedback from the recent teacher visit to Dowlow Quarry, noting how such initiatives are helping to shift perceptions of the industry and build future talent pipelines.