The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has appointed Adam Lancey its new president, succeeding Brent Gunther who is stepping down after four years in the role.

Lancey is asset president of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), responsible for the safe operations of the company’s seven mines in Queensland’s Bowen basin, along with rail infrastructure, Moranbah Airport and the Hay Point Coal Terminal in Mackay.

Along with his industry experience and role within the Queensland resources sector, Lancey has a track record as a passionate diversity advocate, particularly in relation to encouraging more women into the industry’s workforce.

“I’m passionate about mining and in particular the role of the Queensland resources sector, and take a huge amount of pride in being part of an industry that contributes so much to Queensland’s economy and local communities,” Lancey said.

“Safety is the number one priority for me, it must be. Without safety, nothing else really matters. I want to see safety performance improve collectively as an industry,” he said.

“Queensland has the high-quality resources the world needs to keep growing and decarbonising, so our industry has a bright future.

“But the resources sector faces headwinds from inflationary pressures, unpredictable weather and unexpected policy changes, which only makes it more important that we work collectively to ensure we have the certainty and stability to keep investing in the projects and skills that create local jobs and drive the economy forward.”

Gunther welcomed Lancey's appointment and said the QRC would continue to be a strong voice for Queensland’s mining and energy sector at a critical time in the state’s history.

“The resources sector supports one in six jobs in Queensland so it’s important for our industry to continue to attract new investment and be the driving force behind the state economy,” he said.

QRC CEO Ian Macfarlane said Lnacey was highly regarded in the industry and had been closely involved in the New South Wales Minerals Council before being appointed to the BMA role in Queensland.

Last week, the QRC released its latest 'Economic Contribution' report which showed the industry contributed A$116.8-billion to the state economy last financial year and supported the jobs of more than half a million Queenslanders.