About us

Our vision and purpose for the industry

IQ is the leading professional membership organisation for the quarrying, mineral extraction and processing industries in the UK. We are committed to supporting professionals at every stage of their career through education, training and continuous professional development.

Our mission is to promote industry standards, share best practice and foster innovation, ensuring a safe, sustainable and successful future for the sector.

Celtic East Pit Study Tour 2016-17

IQ History

The Institute of Quarrying originated in Caernarvon in 1917 with a common purpose to advance the science and practice of quarrying internationally in the interests of the public at large.
 
Driven by a vision "to advance the science and practice of quarrying internationally in the interests of the public at large," the organisation focused from the outset on raising industry standards through education and training. 
 
From its early years in Wales, IQ quickly embraced regional growth. Notably, the Derbyshire branch was founded in November 1923 in Buxton, reflecting the sector's longstanding roots in the Peak District. Local quarry managers like Tom Ryan and Frank Frith spearheaded regional representation, furthering the Institute's reach in one of the UK’s most active quarrying areas.

IQ Timeline

  • 1917 - First meeting of The Association of Quarry Managers was held in Caernarfon (19 October)
  • 1918 - First issue of The Quarry Managers’ Journal (November)
  • 1920 - Name of the association was changed to The Institution of Quarry Managers; Sir Henry Maybury became the first President
  • 1921 - First Annual Conference was held in London
  • 1924 - Women were admitted to Conferences for the first time; Quarry Managers Journal Ltd was formed
  • 1925 - Benevolent Fund established; Mrs Anne Greaves, the first lady member, was elected
  • 1927 - Name changed to The Institute of Quarrying
  • 1947 - Designatory letters (MIQ, FIQ etc) adopted
  • 1948 - First examinations developed by the Institute were set; First meeting of the Australian branch was held in Sydney
  • 1955 - First of the Short Courses in Quarry Practice held at Ashorne Hill
  • 1957 - The Institute's founder and General Secretary, Simon McPherson, died at 80 (still in office!) and was succeeded by his son John
  • 1958 - Coat of Arms presented as a gift from the outgoing President, Hugh Symington
  • 1961 - Australian branch was formed into a Division with branches in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland
  • 1967 - Diploma course in Quarrying was established at the Doncaster Technical College in South Yorkshire
  • 1968 - New Zealand branch formed
  • 1969 - South African branch formed
  • 1971 - Assisted Private Study course, leading to the Institute's Associate Membership (now Professional) Examination was started
  • 1972 - Hong Kong branch was formed.
  • 1974 - Headquarters moved to Regent Street, Nottingham
  • 1989 - First international symposium held in conjunction with Hillhead Quarry Exhibition; Malaysian branch formed
  • 2003 - CPD record scheme introduced
  • 2007 - Doncaster Assisted Private Study course and IQ Professional Examination replaced by Diploma course at the University of Derby in partnership with IQ and IAT
  • 2009 - Corporate Professional Competence (CPC) Scheme started, with Lafarge as first member; First meeting of IQ Middle East Meeting Group take place in UAE
  • 2010 - IQ Learning Management System (LMS) introduced to allow online delivery of CPD units with Sandvik International as first user
  • 2011 - First blended learning programme delivered with Terex Mineral Processing as first customer
  • 2012 - Headquarters moved to McPherson House, Chilwell, Nottingham
  • 2014 - New Technical Member grade (TMIQ) introduced
  • 2016 - IQ Academy launched
  • 2017 - IQ Celebrates its Centenary with a Quarry Garden Display and hosts first Fellows Lunch & Student Awards
  • 2021 - IQ announces acquisition of the National Stone Centre (NSC)
  • 2022 - Headquarters moved to Derbyshire (onsite at the NSC)
  • 2024 - The Strategic Safety Forum is formed - A major industry initiative with a focus on health and safety, jointly led with the BAA, MPA, MPQC and QNJAC
  •  2025 - Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the National Security Institute (NSI) 

IQ Crest

The Institute of Quarrying's Coat of Arms was designed at the College of Arms in London and granted in 1958.

The Coat of Arms symbolises the origin, aims and scope of the Institute. The octagonal stone tower on the shield is in the style of Caernarfon castle, the town of the Institute's birth. The two hammers or jads represent the ancient tools of the trade and the coronet in between is composed of wattle flowers to reflect the link with Australia and the trefoil, or shamrock, with Ireland.

On top of the helmet is the crest - a quarry face with green-topped overburden surmounted by the lion of Scotland and in its paws is the key which is recorded as symbolising knowledge and freedom, although it has been advised that it is also representative of the Institute's commitment to safety.

A back issue of the Journal records that the latin motto Terram autem filiis hominum was inspired by a quotation from Psalm 115 which reads: 'The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's, but the earth he hath given to the children of men.'

Latin scholars advise, however, a more meaningful translation is 'the fruits of the earth for the children of men.'

IQ-crest

Honouring Our Heritage,
Shaping Tomorrow

At IQ, we are not just preserving the past; we are building the future of quarrying. Our focus is on innovation, developing future-ready skills and creating strong industry connections that keep the sector moving forward.
 
By working with leaders across the globe, we influence best practice, champion sustainability and prepare professionals for the challenges ahead.

With around 5,000 members worldwide, IQ connects a global community through its dedicated regional branches and affiliate offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Become part of our legacy

IQ offers a plethora of opportunities to make a real difference to your industry. From working groups with like-minded individuals to sharing resources and guidance that benefits all.

Become a member today and start making a difference.

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