We asked for nominations from our readers through June, which helped the editorial team come up with the final list of nominees.

This year, we have 21 nominees across the four categories, reflecting some of the standout performers of the 2022 financial year.

CEO of the Year, sponsored by Vocus

David Southam - Mincor Resources

Dave Reeves - Calidus Resources

Kim Massey - Capricorn Metals

Duncan Craib - Boss Resources

Brett Lynch - Sayona Mining

An honourable mention goes to departing managing directors and former CEO of the Year nominees, Pilbara Minerals' Ken Brinsden and Fortescue Metals Group's Elizabeth Gaines.

Emerging Leader of the Year, sponsored by SGS

Chris Hansen- Greenstone

Rod Corps - NiCo Resources

Aaron Colleran - AIC Mines

Tony Ottaviano - Liontown Resources

Karen Wellman - Jindalee Resources

Deal of the Year

Sandfire Resources for the acquisition of the MATSA copper complex in Spain

Evolution Mining for the acquisition of the remaining 70% of the Ernest Henry copper-gold mine in Queensland

IGO for the takeover of Western Areas

EMR Capital for the demerger and IPO of 29Metals

Explorer of the Year

Predictive Discovery for the NE Bankan gold project in Guinea

Carnaby Resources for the Greater Duchess copper project in Queensland

Antipa Minerals for the Minyari Dome gold project in Western Australia

Coda Minerals for the Elizabeth Creek copper project in South Australia

Trigg Mining for the Lake Throssell potash project in WA

Azure Minerals for the Andover nickel-copper project in WA

Rumble Resources for the Earaheedy zinc-lead project in WA

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Congratulations to the shortlisted companies and individuals and thank you to everyone that took the time to nominate.

The nominees will be profiled by MNN in the coming weeks.

The judges, comprising MNN's editorial team and a panel of industry leaders, will then vote on the winners in each category, which will be announced by the end of this month.