Saraji mine worker Ashara Moore and Anglo American workplace support manager Kanae Dyas have received national recognition for their contribution to the resources sector at an awards event in Canberra.

The two Queensland women were honoured at the Women in Resources National Awards presented by the Minerals Council of Australia last night. 

Ms Moore, a Gold Coast-based FIFO engineer, was named the Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources (image at top of page), and Ms Dyas was recognised as the Gender Diversity Champion in Australian Resources. 

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive officer Janette Hewson congratulated the two winners and all Queensland finalists at the awards. 

“Ashara Moore heads a team of engineers as portfolio lead, responsible for over $45 million in capital projects and has shown what women can achieve through a dynamic career in the resources sector,” she said. 

“Kanae Dyas is a champion for diversity and equity reform who is dedicated to improving health and safety outcomes for women and marginalised people to create a safe and welcoming workplace for all involved in the industry. 

“The achievements of both Ashara and Kanae will inspire more women to consider a rewarding career in Queensland’s resources sector. 

“Awards like these, and the joint QRC and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) State Resources Awards for Women are just one way of recognising the sector’s commitment to achieve a better gender balance in our workforce.” 

The full list of winners of the 2024 BHP Women in Resources National Awards included:

• Dyno Nobel Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources Award – Josie Fourie, head of wells Australia, Woodside Energy. For her groundbreaking leadership in offshore drilling, leading the Enfield well abandonment project and her role in contracting a world-class drilling rig for Australia’s decommissioning programs.
• Newmont Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources Award – Ashara Moore, portfolio lead, civil and mining, Saraji Mine, BHP. Recognised for her leadership in managing large-scale projects and her contributions to advancing green technology within the mining sector.
• The Bloomfield Group Outstanding Australian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician Award – Nadine Heal, open pit supervisor, Evolution Mining. Awarded for her resilience and dedication in advancing her career and championing gender diversity at Evolution’s Cowal gold operations.
• Mitsubishi Development Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance Award – Thiess Mount Arthur South Indigenous/inclusive trainee employment Program. Recognised for its success in attracting and supporting new-to-industry Indigenous and female candidates, fostering greater diversity within the workforce.
• Maptek Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award – Dr Evelyn Ng, group manager, materials and innovation, Callidus Group. Honoured for her pioneering contributions to technological innovation in the mining industry, including the development of four patents.
• Rio Tinto Inclusion and Diversity Champion in Australian Resources Award – Kanae Dyas, workplace support manager, Anglo American. Celebrated for her exceptional leadership in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting a new standard for gender and cultural safety within the resources sector.

The Women in Resources National Awards winners are drawn from state and territory-based awards.