Australia’s top female resource leaders and innovators have been honoured at the 2026 BHP Women in Resources National Awards (WIRNA), hosted by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
The national awards celebrate high achievers across diverse disciplines, including executive leadership, engineering, trades, data analytics, and emergency response.
Rae O’Brien, Group Executive for Australia East at Thiess, received the headline Dyno Nobel Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources award.
Recognised for more than 30 years of industry service, O’Brien was praised for her sustained contributions to governance and cultural leadership across the sector.
The Newmont Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources award was presented to Barminco graduate engineer Jemima Reid for her technical capability, resilience, and dedicated student engagement work.
Meanwhile, Kymberly Bouchardt, a BMA Field Supervisor, earned the South32 Outstanding Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician award for her career progression and advocacy within trade environments.
In technological achievement, Dr Humaira Ehsan, Value Analytics Specialist at Hastings Deering, received the Mitsubishi Development Woman in Resources Technological Innovation award for her practical application of data analytics in operational decision-making.
Dr Ainul Azzah Abd Aziz of Rio Tinto Gove was also highly commended in the category for her strong technical capability and innovative use of technology to improve operational data quality.
The Agnico Eagle Excellence in Company Programs and Performance award went to Victoria’s ISH24 Women’s Rescue Training Week, accepted by Education Manager Jana Gumovsky.
DevEx Resources Managing Director Marnie Finlayson was named the Rio Tinto Inclusion and Diversity Champion for her mentorship and industry advocacy.
MCA CEO Tania Constable said the recipients highlight the depth of talent and vast opportunities across Australia’s resources landscape.
“Winners represent a wide range of disciplines and career stages,” Constable said, adding that the selection involved a rigorous national judging process across all states and territories.
