- Winners from a range of disciplines and career stages
- Awards recognise high achievers from across the nation
- Strong nominations; thorough and robust judging process
The MCA is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 BHP Women in Resources National Awards, honouring female superstars of the Australian resources sector from across the nation.
This year’s recipients – announced at a gala dinner at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne this evening – show the tremendous array of opportunities across Australia’s world-class resources sector.
Winners represent a wide range of disciplines and career stages including operations, engineering, trades, technology and data analytics, emergency response, executive leadership and governance.
Award recipients include:
- Dyno Nobel Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources: Rae O’Brien, Group Executive, Australia East, Thiess (QLD)
Recognised for more than 30 years of contribution to the resources sector, Rae demonstrated significant governance, leadership and cultural change outcomes. The scale of her leadership, breadth of influence across the industry and sustained contribution positioning her as a standout in the category.
- Newmont Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources: Jemima Reid, Graduate Engineer, Barminco (WA)
Jemima was recognised as an emerging leader who combines technical capability with resilience, thought leadership and a strong personal commitment to the future of the resources sector. Her student engagement work added depth to the nomination, showing initiative beyond her technical role and a clear commitment to supporting the next generation of the workforce.
- South32 Outstanding Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician in Australian Resources: Kymberly Bouchardt, BMA Field Supervisor, BMA (QLD)
Kymberly was recognised for her dedication to her trade, strong career progression and across workplace, community and industry settings. Her nomination demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting others and advocating for her trade while continuing to build influence beyond her immediate workplace.
- Mitsubishi Development Woman in Resources Technological Innovation: Dr Humaira Ehsan, Value Analytics Specialist, Hastings Deering (QLD)
Humaira was recognised for applying innovative thinking to deliver practical improvements in the workplace and measurable business outcomes. Through the effective use of technology and data, she demonstrated clear value creation and tangible impact, with her work improving the way information is used to support operational decision-making.
- Highly commended: Dr Ainul Azzah Abd Aziz, Specialist – Technical, Infrastructure and Operation, Rio Tinto Gove (NT). Ainul was highly commended for her strong technical capability and innovative use of technology to improve operational data quality. Her nomination demonstrated a thoughtful and effective approach to solving complex operational challenges, with clear practical benefit.
- Agnico Eagle Excellence in Company Programs and Performance: ISH24 Women’s Rescue Training Week (VIC) – Company representative: Jana Gumovsky, Education Manager, ISH24
ISH24 Women’s Rescue Training Week was recognised as a program with clear strategic intent, participant-centred design and a targeted approach to building capability. Strong participant evidence, measurable capability development and the program’s potential to encourage greater participation positioned ISH24 as the category winner.
- Rio Tinto Inclusion and Diversity Champion in Australian Resources: Marnie Finlayson, Managing Director, DevEx Resources
Marnie was recognised for sustained leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion across teams, workplaces and the broader resources industry. Her nomination demonstrated influence beyond individual workplaces through industry engagement, mentorship and work with young people considering careers in resources.
The selection process involved a national judging panel representing all states and territories, with winners selected following individual assessment and panel moderation discussions.
Strong nominations were received across all categories and were considered through a thorough and robust judging process.
The MCA thanks all those who entered the awards, the finalists, winners and the families, friends, partners and workmates who support them to do their best every day.
The MCA also greatly appreciates the ongoing support of our member companies who sponsored these awards, along with the state mining and resources chambers including CMEWA, the NSW Minerals Council, MCA Victoria, the Queensland Resources Council and Women in Resources Northern Territory who support WIRNA by running the state awards.
