The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) celebrated outstanding student achievements at their joint awards ceremony, held for the second time at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall. The event brought together senior industry professionals to recognise high-performing students studying globally recognised qualifications at the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products.
This year’s awards were kindly sponsored by EPC-UK and Land & Minerals Consulting Ltd T/A Quarry Design, and FM Conway. Each accolade honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while balancing work and home commitments.
Award winners received their prizes in front of Fellows of both institutes and special guests. IQ President Ben Williams FIQ presented mineral products students with their awards alongside IQ CEO James Thorne, while IAT President Helen Bailey and Executive Director Sandy Sykes presented prizes to asphalt students.
Ben Williams FIQ, IQ President, said:
“We are delighted to have once again co-hosted the Student Awards with the Institute of Asphalt Technology, strengthening our close, cross-sector partnership and promoting talent development within our industries. Each award recipient has demonstrated outstanding dedication, achieving exceptional results in their studies at the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products. Together with the networks and support from their respective professional membership bodies, they have built a solid foundation on which to build their future careers.”
Dr Helen Bailey FIQ, FIAT, IAT President commented:
“It’s inspiring to see the commitment and talent of these students being recognised. Their achievements reflect the strength of our industry and the opportunities available for those who work hard and aim high. We are proud to support their journey and look forward to seeing their future contributions.”
The IQ award winners include Joel O’Connor, Mark Eastment, Anna Thomas, Flynn Crittall, Matthew Millson, Josh Cahill, Zayyan Javid, Michael Craven, Phil Brewer, All winners received an award certificate and a cheque for £200.
The IAT presented prizes to Eamon Woods, David Gibson, John Anderson, Zahed Rahman, Luke Gascoigne-Barnett, Grettel Lianet Collart Flores, and Jake Murgatroyd.
Mark Osbaldeston, Head of the Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby, said:
"This year’s award winners have shown remarkable commitment to their studies and the industry. Balancing academic work with professional responsibilities is no small feat, and their success reflects both determination and passion. These achievements not only strengthen individual careers but also contribute to the future of the mineral products sector. Congratulations to all who have reached this milestone."
2025 IQ winner profiles
Joel O’Connor TMIQ, Technical Sales Manager at Heidelberg Materials, received the Goodwin Barsby Award and a £200 cheque for Best Honours Student. The award is presented to the highest achieving Honours student over 2 years and 5 modules.
Mark Eastment TMIQ, Quarry Operator at Tarmac, received the Reginald W Coles Prize, endowed in memory of past President of the IQ, Mr R. W. Coles, for Best Overall Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Student.
Anna Thomas, Co-founder of Stonepack Ltd (unable to attend), was awarded the Scottish Springbank Quaich Award for Best Third Year Foundation Degree Student. It is awarded to the highest achieving student in Scotland, Over the full three years of studying.
Flynn Crittall, Higher Apprentice at Holcim UK, won The Ransomes Rapier Award, endowed by the historical excavator manufacturers, and a £200 prize for Best Mineral Extractives Higher Apprentice.
Matthew Millson, Production Supervisor at Sibelco, was presented with The Peter Preston Award UK, bestowed by the late Peter Preston, for the Best UK Diploma Student.
Josh Cahill, Quarry Supervisor at Breedon, won The Peter Preston Award International, for Best International Diploma Student.
Two Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates Awards of Excellence were presented to the Best Performing Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Students in Years One and Two.
Michael Craven, Supervisor at Cemex, won year first year award. Michael was described as adapting impressively to the demands of balancing work, family, and study - a testament to his resilience and commitment.
The second year award went to student Zayyan Javid, Assistant Quarry Manager at Breedon. The tutors admired his dedication and hard work throughout his studies.
Phil Brewer, Assistant Quarry Manager at Cemex received the EPC-UK Blasting Award, awarded for the best overall performance in the Blasting Operations Module. The award is given to the highest achieving student over the academic year, with the qualification providing a greater understanding of the requirements of blasting.
Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering Award
Paul Clark, General Manager of Arabian Explosives Company, was the first recipient to receive the new Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering Award.
The newly developed university diploma covers a wide range of topics in three modules, which include learning, thinking and study skills in geology, geotechnical engineering, business ethics, advanced explosives technology, downstream benefits, biodiversity, geodiversity and sustainability to name but a few.
Chris Rowan, Programme Leader and Lecturer at EPC-UK says: “Paul’s achievements in winning this award are a testament to his dedication, hard work and enthusiasm shown over the duration of the programme, a true ‘lifelong learner’, well done Paul.”
2025 IAT winner profiles
A first prize was awarded to Eamon Woods (unable to attend), for Best Overall Third Year Foundation Degree. Second place was presented to David Gibson and third place to John Anderson.
Zahed Rahman received the award for Best Overall Second Year Foundation Degree.
Luke Gascoigne-Barnett (unable to attend) won the award for Best Overall First Year Foundation Degree.
The Best Asphalt Diploma Student Award was awarded to Jake Murgatroyd (unable to attend).
The Contracts & Business Management and Ops award was presented to Grettel Lianet Collart Flores.
The higher education qualifications, through the partnership with the Mineral Products Centre, are delivered by the University of Derby in partnership with IQ and IAT and go hand in hand with everyday operations in the mineral products industry.
Minerals Matter Recognition Awards
Minerals Matter, the minerals industry collaborative approach to attracting new skills into the sector, joined this year's event to reward and recognise ambassadors working in schools outreach programmes.
This suite of awards acknowledges the exceptional dedication of individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond in reaching, educating and inspiring young people about the dynamic career opportunities in the mineral products industry.
Helen Johnson at Heidelberg Materials received the School Outreach Award.
The Collaboration Award was jointly presented to Jessica Roberts & Loren Crisp.
Ben Lepley at SLR Consulting received the Innovation Award.
The Education Award was presented to Ceri Travers.