The latest figures from Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) gender diversity data show that a record number of women are working for mining and energy companies, with women now representing 22 per cent of the workforce, up from almost 20 per cent in 2022.
The Resources Awards for Women was held on Wednesday in Brisbane, coinciding with International Women’s Day, and was co-hosted with Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).
Speaking at the event, QRC Chief Executive, Ian Macfarlane, said the industry’s efforts to recruit and retain more female employees is paying off.
“The QRC’s latest gender diversity data for 2021-22 shows women are seizing the opportunity to work in the mining and energy sector with both hands,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“At a time when every industry in Australia is competing for skilled workers, initiatives to make our sector more flexible, diverse and inclusive are opening new doors for women to join or remain in our workforce.
“ABS figures show mine employees earn the highest average annual income in Australia, coming in at $130,000, so it’s great to see more women benefiting from the financial security offered by these well-paid and rewarding jobs.”
The QRC report shows there’s been a ten per cent jump in the number of women working in non-traditional roles in the resources sector over the past financial year.
Another stand-out result is the 18 per cent increase in the number of women now working for mining and energy companies in trade roles.
Mr Macfarlane said the percentage of women employed in trade positions has risen by more than 450 per cent over the past seven years, demonstrating women are interested in hands-on trade careers when given the opportunity.
Mr Macfarlane also said that while companies are heading in the right direction, there is more work to be done to hit the industry’s next target of 30 per cent female participation by 2026.
“Research by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has found more diverse workplaces are more productive, innovative and provide a more positive working environment for men and women, so resources companies are very motivated to continue down this path.
Mr Macfarlane, alongside WIMARQ co-chair Sally Raynor also announced this year’s winners in the Resources Awards for Women, with Rio Tinto’s Brisbane-based Global Head of Equity Inclusion and Diversity Melanie Cooper taking out the top Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resources award.
Other award winners include:
- Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources – Senior Project Engineer Daisy Ambach, Glencore Qld Metals, Mount Isa
- Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resources in Technological Innovation – Data Science Lead Joana Sousa, BHP, Brisbane
- Exceptional Tradeswoman/Technician/Operator in Queensland Resources award – Maintenance Supervisor Jacqueline Kelly, Shell QGC, Chinchilla
- Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance in Queensland Resources award – Rio Tinto for its Indigenous Leadership Program
- Exceptional Female QMEA Student award – joint winners Zoe Delroy, Redeemer Lutheran College, Biloela; and Lianna Woodsbey, Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa.
- Inclusion and Diversity Champion in Queensland Resources award – Larissa Walker, Front End Development Manager, Shell QGC, Brisbane
Mr Macfarlane congratulated all award winners and finalists, saying they were part of a new, more inclusive era for women in resources.
“The resources sector will greatly benefit from your unique skills and perspectives, as we transition to a lower emissions future using the best available technology and practices,” Mr Macfarlane said
WIMARQ co-chair, Sally Rayner, said the awards recognised the important contribution of women to the resources sector and celebrated the industry’s gender diversity champions.
“It’s exciting to see so many more women saying yes to the career opportunities available in resources, whether that’s working in an office, a lab, on a mine site or at a gas field,” Ms Rayner said.
“We’re putting out the welcome mat for more women to bring their skills and experience to our industry because a more diverse workplace is a more positive and productive environment for all employees.”
