CME had the tough job of whittling down the lists after more than 80 nominations were received.

The nominees for Women in Resources Champion are Roy Hill community development manager Jeanette Hasleby, the University of Western Australia Energy & Minerals Institute director Mark Stickells, and Shell Australia general manager of production Michael Schoch.

Roy Hill general manager commercial Claire Negus, Santos geophysicist Natasha Hendrick, Alcoa of Australia research scientist Sharon Eyer, and Shell Australia general manager for commercial Sheila Graham are this year’s nominees for Outstanding Woman in Resources.

The nominees for Outstanding Young Woman in Resources are BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Jessica Widenbar, Roy Hill’s Jodi Moffitt, Jackson McDonald’s Katharine McKenzie, and BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Megan Kline.

Woodside Energy’s Laura Allen, Alcoa’s Suzan Drake-Brockman, and Alcoa’s Yvonne Fahey were nominated for Outstanding Technician/Operator/Tradeswoman in Resources.

Four miners were nominated for the Outstanding Company Initiative.

BHP Billiton Nickel West’s job sharing in senior leadership program, Fortescue Metals Group’s Trade Up Aboriginal apprenticeship initiative, Iluka Resources Diversity Journey, and Newmont Boddington Gold’s Women’s Professional Network were recognised.

CME CEO Reg Howard-Smith said the nominations showcased the high calibre of people working in the WA resources sector.

“The awards celebrate the inspirational women we have working here in Western Australia, the men and women who champion gender diversity and the efforts of companies in the sector to improve the participation of women in our workforce,” he said.

“Many innovative companies in the resources sector have board-level strategies and operational plans to address diversity, highlighting its importance in driving better performance and productivity. Improving workforce diversity continues to be a focus for the Western Australian resources sector even during tough market conditions.”

The awards will be announced at a breakfast in Perth on March 4.