18 November 2025
First published on Agg-Net.
The 2025 Minerals Matter Awards were presented at the Institute of Quarrying Fellows Lunch, recognising individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to education, outreach and innovation across the minerals and quarrying sector.
The awards celebrate the people and partnerships inspiring the next generation to explore careers in the industry, highlighting the creativity, collaboration and commitment driving engagement and learning.
Outreach Award – Helen Johnson, Heidelberg Materials
Helen Johnson, Recruitment Performance and Process Manager at Heidelberg Materials, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to outreach and engagement at the Big Bang Fair 2025 at the NEC.
Helen played a leading role in planning and delivering Heidelberg Materials’ creative and interactive stand, helping to engage more than 5,000 young people and 35 teachers and educators over 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.
Helen was unable to attend the ceremony, and her award was collected on her behalf by Gareth Day, Managing Director of Asphalt and Contracting at Heidelberg Materials.
Collaboration Award – Jessica Roberts and Loren Crisp, Future Is Mine
The Collaboration Award was presented to Jessica Roberts and Loren Crisp from Future is Mine for their creativity and leadership in developing the Mineral Mission boxes throughout 2025.
Their work has resulted in 12 innovative learning boxes, now available for Minerals Matter ambassadors and teachers to hire free of charge. These resources bring the minerals sector to life for young people across the UK and provide educators with hands-on tools to support STEM and careers learning.
The project reflects the power of partnership between industry and education, showcasing how collaboration can inspire future talent.
Innovation Award – Ben Lepley, SLR Consulting
Ben Lepley, Mining ESG Consultant at SLR Consulting, received the Innovation Award for his pivotal 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.
Education Award – Ceri Travers, Breedon
Ceri Travers, Early Careers Manager at Breedon, was honoured with the Education Award for her leadership in organising two teacher encounter days in 2024 and 2025 at Breedon sites in Telford and Derbyshire.
These events introduced 20 teachers and educators to the industry and provided opportunities to meet six apprentices, helping teachers gain first-hand insight into the range of career pathways available in the sector.
Delivered in partnership with Breedon, the East Midlands and The Marches Careers Hubs, and the University of Derby, the initiative demonstrates the powerful impact of collaboration between industry and education.
Following the awards, John Austin from the Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby shared insights from the recent teacher encounter visit to Dowlow Quarry in Derbyshire, highlighting how initiatives like this are helping to change perceptions of the industry and build future talent pipelines.