The awards, announced at the SA Chamber of Mines and Energy annual resources dinner, acknowledge companies for their efforts in supporting communities, women in resources and environmental excellence.

BHP’s prisoner re-integration program won the award for excellence in social inclusion.

SA Premier Tom Koutsantonis said the program stood out as a bold initiative.

“This program has brought about life-changing opportunities for participants and has had a remarkable success rate since BHP implemented it in 2009,” he said.

IMX won the community support category for its work integrating fly-in, fly-out workers.

“IMX had made a major contribution to community life in Coober Pedy by providing financial incentives to FIFO workers to settle in the town, bolstering the community’s economic viability,” Koutsantonis said.

Thiess won the excellence in leadership – women in resources category for a broad range of initiatives, including a strategic plan that addressed the needs of women to progress their careers and achieve equality.

Illuka took the environmental excellence category for its work collaborating with Adelaide Botanic Gardens and local universities on its rehabilitation activities and research.

OZ Minerals was highly commended for its wide ranging work in communities and implementing social inclusion measures.

Murray Zircon was also acknowledged for its strong corporate social responsibility and work with the Murray Mallee community.

Koutsantonis also paid tribute to Santos, which is celebrating its 60th year of operations, for its leadership and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Overall, Koutsantonis said this year’s entries showcased an impressive range of initiatives contributing to the SA community.

“This is the fourth year of the premier’s awards and we are pleased to see a growing number of entrants with 18 entries from 13 companies,” he said.

“These awards recognise companies whose corporate responsibility extends beyond shareholders to the wider community."