Queensland resources sector celebrates award winners and record numbers of women in the workforce

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A pioneering leader in dust and health research and a game-changing worker childcare project are among the winners of the 2025 Resources Awards for Women, announced today as new data revealed the number of women working in Queensland resources has hit record highs.

The awards, now in their 19th year, are co-hosted by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).

The awards were postponed from its regular date as part of International Women’s Day celebrations due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The 1100 guests in attendance at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre were among the first to hear the latest industry data on female representation.

2023-24 QRC diversity data highlights:

• The proportion of women employed in Queensland’s resources sector increased to a new record high of 23 per cent in 2023-24 (increasing from 22.1 per cent in 2022-23).

• The number of women in the Queensland resources workforce increased by 1.5 per cent to a new record of 8,681 in 2023-24.

• More than nine in 10 women (91 per cent) were employed in non-administrative positions in 2023-24 (92 per cent reported in 2022-23).

The proportion of women in:

• Executive management teams increased to 28.1 per cent, up from 26.1 per cent in 2022-23.

• Senior management increased to 27.4 per cent, up from 25.5 per cent in 2022-23.

• Superintendent roles increased to 20 per cent, up from 18.7 per cent in 2022-23.

• Women in operator and production roles increased to 17.1 per cent, up from 15.5 per cent in 2022-23.

• 43 QRC members provided gender diversity data, up from 37 in 2022-23.

“This year’s record results are outstanding, and I hope they inspire any woman considering a job in the mining and energy sector to dive right in,” QRC Chief Executive Janette Hewson said.

“It’s incredible to see the 610 per cent increase in the number of women in trade roles over the past decade, a clear sign our industry is more diverse and inclusive in its attraction, recruitment and retention programs.

“The data is solid proof that our members’ efforts to make the Queensland resources sector a fair and inclusive sector that reflects the diversity of our communities are having an impact.

“But we cannot stop here. There are many compelling reasons for companies to recruit even more women into roles into the future.

“More diverse workplaces are safer, more productive and more positive working environments for everyone. This frequently leads to stronger overall performance and increased staff retention, which is significant for a sector like ours struggling with skilled worker shortages.”

WIMARQ co-chair Sally Rayner said Queensland’s resources sector was employing more women than the national industry average, as well as attracting a younger workforce.

“In 2023-24, 8681 women benefitted from well-paying jobs and career development in our state’s mining and energy companies, and we hope that number continues to grow,” Ms Rayner said.

“More than 40 per cent of those women were 34 years or younger in 2023-24, an increase on the 38 per cent reported in the previous year and well above the 32 per cent reported in the wider Australian mining workforce.

“The latest data also showed 20 per cent of women in the Queensland resources sector were 50 or over, well below the 26 per cent reported in mining nationally.

“Today’s event is such a wonderful tribute to the skills, innovation and courage of some remarkable people who are making a real difference to our sector and the lives of those working in it.”

A total of 18 finalists vied for this year’s awards in categories that celebrated the achievements of women working in technical, trades, technology, innovation, diversity advocacy and leadership roles.

“This year’s winners are trailblazers, changemakers and exceptional leaders,” QRC Chief Executive Janette Hewson said.

“Getting to know the outstanding field of finalists this year was humbling and rewarding.

“They are excellent role models for the diverse and rewarding careers available in our sector and we hope they inspire a new wave of diversity, equity and inclusion champions and allies.”

The 2025 QRC/WIMARQ Resources Awards for Women are supported by BMA, Australia’s largest producer and supplier of metallurgical coal and operator of five Bowen Basin mines and the Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay.