Pilbara workers dominate finalists for Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA’s Women in Resources awards

A handful of women working in the Pilbara are among the finalists in the running for the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Women in Resources Awards, recognising their individual efforts in gender diversity advocacy in the resources sector. BHP Newman operation’s first female general manager Marie Bourgoin is up for the women in resources champion award while Wheatstone Chevron production manager and Onslow resident Deanne Renting has been shortlisted for the outstanding woman in resources category. Ms Renting said she felt passionate about diversity, inclusion, mentoring and supporting others in the industry. “I feel really proud to be able to be a role model for other women and to show them that if you work hard and with determination, you can take on anything and achieve a lot of great things,” she said. “We’ve got another turn around coming up at Wheatstone in April and I really am trying to encourage as many women as I can to challenge themselves, to step outside their comfort zones and to take on opportunities that they don’t always get to learn, to grow and to get that hands-on field experience.” Other finalists with ties to projects in the region include BHP South Flank general manager Steve Campbell for his long-term advocacy of opportunities for women in the sector, Shell Prelude services technician Sharon Pearce and Rio Tinto West Angelas operator Samantha Ewe-Jones. BHP’s Yandi Mining New to Industry truck operator program has also been shortlisted for the outstanding company initiative award. CME chief executive Paul Everingham said CME was proud of the growth in female participation in mining and resource over the past decade. “The importance and impact of diversity and gender equality in our sector is something that all CME member companies are committed to recognising, promoting and continuing to support,” he said. “The 14 women, one man and three companies making up our WIRA 2022 finalists very much reflect that commitment. “We know we still have much work to do to reach our ultimate goal of gender parity, and events like WIRA, which highlight the extremely valuable contribution made by women, are an important part of the path to getting there.” The CME received more than 85 nominations across the six categories with winners announced at a presentation dinner in Perth on April 1.