The Institute's long-term objective is to promote progressive improvements in all aspects of operational performance of the extractives industry through education and training.

The Institute was founded on 19 October 1917 from a meeting of “The Association of Quarry Managers” in Caernarfon in North Wales.

Gradually expanding over the years, IQ now has affiliate organisations in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Southern Africa and Hong Kong.

Australia constitutes the largest group in the Pacific region and close ties are maintained with their neighbours in New Zealand and Malaysia.

To the north, members are based in Hong Kong, operating both in the territory and China.