Daracon Group Celebrates Win at Prestigious 2025 CCF NSW Earth Awards

Daracon Group is celebrating after a night of recognition at the 2025 CCF NSW Earth Awards, with the Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri Site Remediation project named winner in the $30–$75 million category, sponsored by Coates. Held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on June 20, the CCF NSW Earth Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in civil construction and engineering across the state. This incredible achievement reaffirms Daracon’s capability in managing complex site remediation works with precision, safety, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

This is the third year in a row Daracon Group have picked up a CCF NSW Earth Award, with their Kooragang Island Waste Emplacement Facility (KIWEF) project picking up a win 2023, the Newcastle Ocean Baths picking up a gong in 2024 and now the Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri taking out a 2025 award.

Managing Director Jon Mingay commented, “To continue to be recognised year-on-year, in such a competitive field of diverse projects, is a testament to the strength of our people and our consistent focus on delivering complex projects to the highest standard.”

Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri Site Remediation - Winner: $30 - $75M Category

In the $30-$75 million category, Daracon was recognised for its outstanding work on the Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri Site Remediation. The project involved the safe and environmentally responsible remediation of a former aluminium smelter site, a historically significant employer across the Hunter Valley. More affectionately known as ‘The Can’, the smelter operated at Hart Road, Loxford NSW since 1969 and was one of only six smelters producing aluminium in Australia.

Daracon took a rigorous approach to the management and traceability of contaminated materials, setting new standards in remediation excellence. Despite encountering unprecedented challenges such as the discovery of additional waste and high rain fall, the eventual successful delivery is a reflection of the resilience, adaptability, and expertise of the team.

“The sheer volume of earthworks on this project was monumental. We have one of the largest privately owned fleets of plant and machinery in Australia; so we were very well positioned to take on this site remediation job out in the Hunter Valley,” said Jon.

This is the second site remediation project Daracon have won a CCF NSW Earth Award for since 2023, with their expertise in this niche area of civil construction also attracting an invitation for key Daracon personnel to present at leading industry association events with the Australasian Land and Groundwater Association (ALGA).

State category winners will now move onto the National Finals, held as part of a gala celebration at the Australian Infrastructure Summit in Canberra from 27-28 November, 2025.  

Daracon Group Managing Director Jon Mingay concluded, “Daracon Group are proud to be recognised by our peers and to continue delivering infrastructure that makes a real difference to communities across New South Wales.”