The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA has announced the winners of the 2026 Women in Resources Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions from women in the resources sector. The gala event held on March 10, 2026, at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre attracted over 1,100 attendees, showcasing the resilience and achievements of women in the industry.
Now in its 17th year, the awards aim to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in Western Australia’s mining and energy sectors. This year, seven individuals and one company were honored for their exemplary work. The top accolade, the Outstanding Woman in Resources Award, was presented to Tania Stevens, co-founder of Eastern Guruma. This wholly Indigenous and female-owned civil and mining company employs over 300 people, with one-third being Aboriginal.
Stevens, a proud Guruma and Yindjibarndi woman, established her business in 2004 to create opportunities for her community. She reflected on her journey, stating, “It was a long journey but we’ve been operating for 22 years now. My proudest achievement is just having an Indigenous business that supports our people and gives that opportunity to them.”
The Outstanding Young Woman in Resources title was awarded to Jemima Reid. After joining Barminco as an underground mining graduate engineer in late 2023, Reid quickly earned a reputation for her problem-solving skills. She self-taught coding and developed a geotechnical modelling app that generates 3D caveback models in just two minutes, significantly reducing a process that typically takes up to 12 hours. Reid expressed her pride in presenting her work at the MassMin Conference in Sweden in 2024, emphasizing the role of her mentors in her success.
The Outstanding Trade Woman Award went to Sammi Rae, a drill and blast superintendent with South32. Aaron Morey, the Chamber’s chief executive, praised all finalists, noting their remarkable contributions to the industry. He stated, “The women recognised through WIRA are shaping the future of WA’s resources sector at every level – from operations and engineering through to leadership and entrepreneurship.”
Morey underscored the importance of visibility for women within the industry, highlighting that they represent about a quarter of the State’s resources workforce, according to a recent CME report. He asserted, “By showcasing these leaders and innovators, WIRA sends a powerful message to women and girls that there is a place for them in this industry and that their skills and ideas are not only welcome but essential.”
Over the past five years, the mining industry has made significant strides in hiring and promoting women. The Chamber’s 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Report revealed that female participation has increased across various roles, with women comprising 21.4 percent of machinery operators and drivers, 23.5 percent of management, and 32.8 percent of board positions.
The complete list of award recipients includes:
– **Outstanding Company Initiative Award**: BHP for the Gender Equal Mining Program
– **Woman in Resources Technology Award**: Emma Eltringham, Woodside Energy
– **Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman Award**: Sammi Rae, South32 – Worsley Alumina
– **Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award**: Sue Steele, Red Earth Health Solutions
– **Champion of Women in Resources Award**: Marnie Finlayson, Northern Star Resources
– **Outstanding Woman in Resources Award**: Tania Stevens
– **Peoples’ Choice Award (Selected through online vote)**: Raimunda Townend, Diamantina Laboratories
The Women in Resources Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also serve as a rallying point for the resources industry to continue fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead.
