Five individuals and one company have won awards for this year’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia (CMEWA) Women in Resources Awards.
On Thursday last week (13 February), more than 1,100 people gathered at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre to hear the stories behind each of the 16 finalists.
CMEWA Chief Executive Rebecca Tomkinson says the awards, now in its 16th year, is considered an annual reminder of the value of diversity and the increasing prominence of women in the sector.
“Western Australia’s resources sector has long benefited from the passion, commitment, and expertise of women workers filling roles from frontline mining operations right through to the C-suite,” Tomkinson says.
“The calibre of the Women In Resources Awards finalists grows every year and their career journeys often offer a timely reminder of just how far the sector has come since the first awards ceremony back in 2010.”
Global mining company Fortescue (ASX:FMG) took home the Outstanding Company Initiative Award, while Rio Tinto’s (ASX:RIO) Amanda de Azevedo Marques won the Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award.
For the Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Award, Roy Hill’s Krystal Findlay had won, while Woodside Energy’s (ASX:WDS) Irene Chandra won the Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award and Peoples’ Choice Award.
In addition, Woodside Energy’s Julia Fallon won the Outstanding Woman in Resources Award.
Sandfire Resources’ (ASX:SFR) Brendan Harris won the Champion of Women in Resources Award.
Tomkinson adds that every finalist has an “exceptional story” and their successes highlight the careers now on offer for women in resources.
“Their passion, professionalism, and expertise set the standard for the entire industry and have helped create a safer, more dynamic and more inclusive sector,” the CEO says.
“We still have a long way to go to reach gender parity but it is pioneering women like our WIRA finalists who are lighting the way for others to follow in their footsteps.”
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia is an advocate for the resources sector in the state. The organisation is member-funded and not-for-profit.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: CMEWA
