About - Abmec

Providing a voice
on the world stage

Mission Statement

To promote the British mining supply chain through innovation, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting our members in achieving global excellence. We aim to provide the best services that help growth and competitiveness in the international mining industry for our growing membership.

Vision Statement

To become the champion and representative of the British mining industry, driving a future where our members are globally acknowledged for their innovation, sustainability, and excellence in mining solutions.

History of ABMEC

1938	Several trade associations representing mining in UK Purpose: to establish safety standards in underground coal mining
1940s	One of the associations was named ABMEX; a forerunner to today’s name
1970s	ABMEX members were starting to export; this group merged with UK suppliers
1978	All the associations combined to form ABMEC Purpose: to continually develop international standards for mining
1980s	Approximately 120 independent member companies Most members supplied the NCB (National Coal Board)
1990s	British mining focus transferred from coal to other stratified deposits such as potash, gypsum and salt
2018	ABMEC allowed service providers to be full members
2018	The Camborne School of Mines became the first educational establishment member
2019	The acronym (ABMEC) became its name, without the wording “Association of British Mining Equipment Companies” to better represent profile of member companies
2021	It was agreed the Association for the British Mining Supply Chain described the new profile well

Structure of ABMEC

Structure	Not-for-profit, membership-driven Led by CEO Reporting to the board
Board	Up to 12 members, with 5 from the largest mining-related companies Sub committees formed for specific events or projects Presidents and Vice Presidents are elected and serve for 2 years
Finance Committee	Consists of Chairman and 4 members Purpose: to oversees finances and budgeting
Technical Group	A forum for any member company employee Sharing of knowledge and experience Global certification and International Standards discussed Safety standards reviewed, particularly for potentially hazardous areas The Chairman has been instrumental in developing legislation for EU safety standards ABMEC is committed to achieving harmonised international standards

Partners

ABMEC has a mutually beneficial relationship with the DBT (Department for Business & Trade) Partnerships exist with other trade associations to provide benefits for member companies

ABMEC Officials
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

President

Russell Lafford, FIMMM FIQ, Weir Minerals Europe Ltd

Vice President

Julia Cameron, Mutech Ltd

CEO

Kate Thornton, CEng CSci FIMMM

Born in Zambia, Russell lived there until he moved, with his family to Rhodesia – now Zimbabwe. Russell completed his schooling in Zimbabwe and joined the mining industry, completing his diploma course in Extractive Metallurgy. Whilst still in Zimbabwe, Russell worked for over 21 years in the mining process industry to become the relief General Manager at African Associated Mines with a workforce of around 1,200 employees. During this time, Russell was also a member of Mine Managers Association.

With Russell’s extensive experience in the mining industry, he then joined an organisation in the sales department selling positive displacement pumps. In 2008, Russell and his family decided it was the best time to move to UK and since then, he has worked for a major pump manufacturing company who are now also heavily involved in the mining/process industry for minerals, sand and aggregate.

president@abmec.org.uk

Kate studied Biomedical Material Science for her undergraduate degree at the University of Manchester. She then went on to complete her PhD at the same university. On completion of her degrees, she moved into the Chemical sector where she worked in a variety of roles before moving to ABMEC.

Kate has been heavily involved in IOM3 for a number of years. She first became involved with IOM3 as a student in the Younger Members’ Committee (now the Student & Early Career Group) in 2008 and held a number of roles before becoming their youngest ever President in January 2023. She relinquished this role in January 2025 and is now their Chair of Trustees.

Kate also has a role as Strategic Advisor for the Henry Royce Institute, a position she has held since February 2024.

kate.thornton@abmec.org.uk

It’s what you know
and who

More Reasons to Join ABMEC

Networking with like-minded people to grow your business

Annual Conference, exhibition, site visits, AGM and other events free of charge

ABMEC Members’ Directory to advertise your company to prospective customers worldwide

Exposure on the website www.abmec.org.uk with valuable links to your own website

Discounts on bulk buying and reduced rates to conferences