"Despite all the challenges of 2020 we received a significant number of high calibre nominations in all categories, and I would like to recognise all the companies and individuals who nominated for these awards and congratulate those who have been selected as finalists," AMEC CEO Warren Pearce said.

Four exploration projects have been selected as finalists for the AMEC Prospector Award 2020, Apollo Consolidated's Lake Rebecca gold discovery in Kalgoorlie; Mincor Resources' Cassini nickel discovery in Kambalda; Aurelia Metals' Federation polymetallic discovery in Nymagee; and Rio Tinto's Winu copper-gold discovery in the Paterson Province.

"The quality and number of nominations is a wonderful sign for our industry, given that last year was the first time in four years we were able to give this award," Pearce said.

"These finalists are outstanding discoveries that show greenfields mineral exploration is still alive and doing very well in Australia."

The finalists for the AMEC Community Contribution Award are IGO, AngloGold Ashanti, Sandfire Resources and Barminco for the Dandjoo Darbalung program; Salt Lake Potash for the Lake Way sulphate of potash project and Galaxy Resources for the Mt Cattlin Pitch for Project. 

The AMEC Environment Award finalists are Consolidated Minerals for the Quoll !Quoll automated animals image categorisation program; Specialty Metals International's Mt Carbine waste transformation project and IGO for its waste management project.

MNN editor Kristie Batten is a finalist in the AMEC Online Media Award, an award she has won twice previously and been nominated for on at least five occasions.

Pearce congratulated all the finalists.

The winners will be announced at the AMEC Awards Dinner on December 10 at the State Reception Centre in Perth's Kings Park.

"The awards dinner is a great opportunity for our industry to celebrate the outstanding contributors to mineral exploration and mining, and we look forward to seeing all our members at this very important event," Pearce said.