A scholarship for an MBA from the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) will go to the winner of the Exceptional Woman category, and all other categories will receive a $5,000 scholarship from AIM.
'These awards play a pivotal role in our sector's efforts to bring better gender balance to our workforce,' said QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane.
'Over the past 13 years since the introduction of our Women in Resources Action Plan, the proportion of women working in non-traditional roles in our sector in Queensland has more than doubled to 14 percent (from 6 percent in 2006) in our latest survey of members.
'Overall women make up 16.4 percent of our workforce, and since 2015, the number in our sector has grown 22 percent.
"The amazing technological advancements in our sector are making it easier for men and women to balance working in resources industries with family other commitments.
'If we are to attract the best and brightest into our increasingly technological sector, we need to scoop from the entire talent pool, not just half of it.
'Since 2006 these awards have provided a cohort of role models and ambassadors to inspire women to enter and remain in our resources sector.
'The economic and social benefits of better gender balance for our sector is well made and we believe that women should have equal access to the rewarding and high-paying careers it offers.
'It's also great to see another strong cohort of candidates for our Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy exceptional female student award.
'These young women are the pipeline for the next generation of women in our sector and are outstanding ambassadors for careers in the resources section in their schools and communities.'
The awards will be presented at the QRC/WIMARQ International Women's Day Breakfast on 5 March at the Royal National Convention Centre in Brisbane.
QRC/WIMARQ – Queensland Resources Council/Women in Mining and Resources Queensland.
