The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) have announced the finalists for the 2025 Resources Award for Women.
From Brisbane to Mt Isa, the 18 finalists show the impact and success of women in leadership, operational, and technical roles in the resources sector.
WIMARQ co-chair Sally Rayner says Queensland’s resources sector encourages more women into the sector and the finalists range from women with decades of industry experience to those who have only recently started their careers in the resources, “and all are making a positive difference”.
“Resources companies are also more aware of the value to their business from having an inclusive environment which is open to new and different ways to identify and solve problems,” Rayner says.
“This year’s outstanding field of award finalists clearly demonstrates the diverse and rewarding careers available across our sector, which we hope inspires a whole new generation of women to consider the opportunities available.”
QRC Chief Executive Janette Hewson says all of the finalists are examples of the progress made by women in the sector.
“When the awards commenced in 2006, just 6% of the resources sector workforce in Queensland were women and now it’s over 22% and rising,” Hewson says.
“Increasing female participation in the workforce is one of the key economic levers we have to increase productivity, which brings benefits to all.
“The Resources Awards for Women are a demonstration of the sector’s commitment to a diverse workforce and exceptional talent. This helps our industry to attract and retain the best talent.”
For the Exceptional Woman Award, the finalists are Anglo American’s (LON:AAL) head of technical and analytics Andrea Rutley, Peabody Energy’s (NYSE:BTU) general counsel Chathuri Samarasinghe, and Glencore’s (LON:GLEN) head of capital studies and projects Jackie Rose’Meyer.
For the Exceptional Young Woman Award, the finalists are Stanmore’s (ASX:SMR) principal business improvement Ashely McCarthy-Griffiths, Glencore Technology’s mechanical engineer Akala Street, and BHP’s (ASX:BHP) manager project delivery Jessica Costello.
The finalists for the Exceptional Woman in Technological Innovation include Hastings Deering’s Aswini Mathew, Glencore Mount Isa Mines’ Nandini Jaysree, and The University of Queensland’s Dr. Nikky LaBranche.
Meanwhile, for the Tradeswoman, Operator, Technician Award, the finalists include Coronado Global Resources’ Kim Exmann, South32’s (ASX:S32) Kylee Frankee, and Glencore Mount Isa Mines’ Makalea Coster.
For the Inclusion and Diversity Champion Award, the finalists include AngloAmerican’s Cameron Carr, BHP’s Chika Onyeogaziri, and Shell QGC’s Jessica Hallahan.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Queensland Resources Council
