The Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award becomes the eighth gong on offer as WIRA returns for a 17th year.

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said the new award was designed to spotlight women who had driven measurable impact for their organisation or the broader resources sector.

“The Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award has been created to bridge the gap between young women near the start of their careers and senior leaders with decades of leadership experience,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“We felt like there was an opportunity to focus on women who are mid-career and doing incredible things but didn’t really fit into any of the existing categories.

“With eight awards now up for grabs, WIRA is cementing itself as the resources sector’s premier event and a powerful platform to share the remarkable stories of the women driving both cultural change and operational excellence in our sector.”

In addition to introducing a new award category, the former Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award has been refreshed and renamed the Women in Resources Technology Award.

The updated name and criteria reflect a broader focus – recognising not only those who have created new technologies, but also women leading the development, implementation, or optimisation of significant technology solutions across the sector.

The eight award categories at WIRA 2026 are:

1. Outstanding Woman in Resources Award
2. Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award
3. Woman in Resources Technology Award
4. Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award
5. Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman Award
6. Outstanding Company Initiative Award
7. Champion of Women in Resources Award (any gender)
8. People’s Choice Award

Ms Tomkinson encouraged both companies and individuals interested in WIRA to check the award criteria and nominate women kicking goals in their field.

“WIRA is so much more than just an awards ceremony – it has become an annual celebration of some of the best our industry has to offer and a source of inspiration, regardless of gender,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“Many of our past WIRA winners have faced significant adversity and hardship in their careers, and they have often had to break through barriers to allow other women to follow in their footsteps.”

Nominations for WIRA 2026 are now open. For more information and to complete a nomination, visit wira.net.au

Media contacts: 

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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Mr Day, BHP’s Asset President WA Iron Ore, succeeds Simon Trott, who has stepped down as CME President to take on the role of Rio Tinto CEO.

“I’m honoured to take on the role of CME President at a time of great opportunity for Western Australian resources,” Mr Day said.

“The mining and energy sectors here in WA are leading the world through operational excellence, innovation and technology.

As the biggest employer in the state, we provide jobs across our operations from the Pilbara to the Goldfields, and the South West to the Kimberley. Our impact is felt around Australia and the world.

“I look forward to working with the executive council and our members to support the continued growth and global leadership of WA’s resources sector.”

With over 25 years’ experience in the sector, a major focus of Mr Day’s career has been integrating technology into operations to improve safety and productivity.

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson welcomed Mr Day to the role.

“Tim’s involvement with CME on our Advisory Board and Executive Committee has highlighted his experience and knowledge as a leader in the mining and resources sector,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“He takes on the presidency at a time of great opportunity but also challenges for the sector. It’s a highly pivotal leadership role and one that’s instrumental in holding policy makers to account on behalf of industry.”

Ms Tomkinson also paid tribute to outgoing president, Simon Trott, who was appointed to the CME role in April 2024 while serving as Chief Executive Rio Tinto Iron Ore Western Australia.

“Simon is one of Australia’s leading resources executives and has played a significant role shaping WA’s world-leading iron ore sector,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“His vision and leadership have been invaluable assets to CME for the entire time he has served on the advisory board, and particularly during his tenure as President.”

Media contacts: 

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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Mr Trott, currently Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Iron Ore in Western Australia, has served as CME President since April 2024.

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson thanked Mr Trott for his outstanding service to the WA resources sector and wished him well on his next chapter as head of Rio Tinto’s global operations.

“Simon is one of Australia’s leading resources executives and has played a significant role shaping WA’s world-leading iron ore sector,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“His vision and leadership has been an invaluable asset to CME for the entire time he has served on the advisory board, but particularly since Simon’s appointment as President last year.

“Simon’s stewardship of CME has coincided with a once-in-a-generation energy transition and a rapidly shifting geopolitical climate.

“Despite the challenging environment, he has worked tirelessly to promote the immense contribution of our State’s resources sector and to advocate for sensible and pragmatic solutions to the issues confronting industry.

“I have no doubt Simon will excel in his new role as Rio Tinto CEO and I extend a heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the entire CME team.”

Media contacts:

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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“The WA resources sector is committed to the protection of the environment and heritage, including the Murujuga rock art, and CME welcomes last night’s decision to add the Burrup Peninsula to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

“The outcome reinforces that sustainable industrial development can occur alongside the preservation of Aboriginal heritage.

“The Burrup Peninsula is home to one of the world’s largest collections of rock art, spanning tens of thousands of years, and carries immense historic and spiritual significance for all Australians, but particularly Traditional Owners.

“At the same time, responsible and culturally sensitive development on the Burrup plays a major role in national energy security and generates billions of dollars in taxes and royalties that help underpin essential services like Medicare and the NDIS.”

Media contacts:

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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The Western Trade Coast – which covers the Kwinana Industrial Area, Rockingham Industry Zone, Latitude 32 General Industrial Area and Australian Marine Complex – contributes $15 billion to the WA economy each year and supports around 42,000 direct and indirect jobs.

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson welcomed the WA Government’s establishment of the IRG, which comes at a critical time for Perth’s heavy industrial sectors.

“The combination of AUKUS, the development of Westport and the global energy transition means Perth’s strategic industrial areas (SIAs) need to be completely reimagined over the next decade,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“CME has long advocated for the importance of project-ready SIAs to attract international investment and remove roadblocks to the development of new ventures, particularly for future-facing industries where speed to market is key.

“Our report on the readiness of WA’s 13 SIAs found Kwinana was the State’s most attractive – but it is also heavily constrained with little opportunity for new projects.

“We welcome the opportunity to shape the delivery of common-user infrastructure in the Western Trade Coast that will unlock jobs and investment opportunities for generations to come.”

Last August the WA Government released its Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy, which identified the priority upgrades needed to futureproof the area while accommodating the new Westport outer harbour and a significant new defence precinct associated with AUKUS.

With US and UK nuclear-powered submarines expected to begin rotating through HMAS Stirling from 2027, before housing Australia’s own nuclear submarines from the early 2030s, Ms Tomkinson said there was no time to waste.

“Perth is already desperately short of well-located and well-serviced industrial land, so it is vital we work to quickly develop a suitable replacement for any we may lose to AUKUS,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“The global energy transition presents a generational opportunity to expand Perth’s industrial and manufacturing bases but it will pass us by if we can’t provide the land needed to house new businesses.”

Media contacts: 

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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The determination, handed down earlier this week, overturns a prior ruling of the State Administrative Tribunal and decades of precedent.  

It comes just weeks after Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley prevented the Shire of Coolgardie from doubling rates on unimproved mining land and warned local government against treating the resources sector as a “cash cow”. 

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said the Supreme Court determination opened the door to millions of dollars of additional imposts at a time many WA resources projects were already facing severe cost pressures. 

“Not only are WA resources projects contending with lengthy assessment processes, rising energy bills and subdued commodity prices – they are now facing further cost uncertainties as a result of this decision,” Ms Tomkinson said. 

“The potential ramifications of this Supreme Court decision carry significant financial implications for our sector. 

“CME believes an urgent legislative review is necessary to ensure the ruling complies with both the letter and the spirt of the Local Government Act.” 

Miscellaneous licences are generally used by resources operations to cover infrastructure such as access roads, power lines and mine site accommodation. 

In many instances, miscellaneous licences sit on top of mining and exploration licences – which are already a source of revenue for councils.  

“This decision potentially opens the door to local governments being able to charge rates on the same land twice, an outcome that would be clearly unfair,” Ms Tomkinson said. 

“The resources sector already contributes around a third of the State’s general government revenue and spent almost $90 billion in WA in FY24 – including payments to more than 100 councils. 

“In a submission to the Federal Parliament’s Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability last year, CME raised concerns about unsustainable local government funding models. 

“This is the latest example of councils targeting the resources sector in an attempt to balance their budgets.”

Media contacts: 

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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Addressing the Committee for Economic Development of Australia this morning, the Premier revealed a staged plan to transition WA’s energy exports while maintaining the State’s reputation as stable and reliable trading partner.

Mr Cook also promised to release a master transmission plan for the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) by the end of 2025, a vital step on WA’s own path to decarbonisation and something CME has strongly advocated for.

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson backed the Premier’s pragmatic stance and said the resources sector was ready and willing to invest in realising his ambitions – provided they were backed by supportive industry policy.

“We know WA’s biggest contribution to the global pursuit of net zero will likely occur outside the State’s borders,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“LNG has made WA one of the world’s most important energy exporters and our gas is already helping our Asian neighbours replace more carbon-intensive coal.

“The longstanding trading relationships we have built with countries like Japan, South Korea and China are also one of our biggest advantages as we continue working to commercialise lower-emission fuels into the future.

“Their ongoing support and investment in future-facing industries and infrastructure will be essential to WA maintaining its position as a resources powerhouse.”

Ms Tomkinson said accelerating decarbonisation efforts within WA would rely heavily on the electrification of industrial and manufacturing processes.

“CME has repeatedly highlighted the critical importance of low-emission, reliable and affordable electricity for both existing industry and future endeavours like green iron,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“Transmission lines are the key enabler of new large-scale renewable projects to help bring down the cost of power.

“The WA Government has announced more than $1 billion for the Clean Energy Link North project but we know more lines will be needed to bring in the required volume of new generation.

“There is also the need for transparency and certainty over the delivery timeframes and costs – which is why we welcome the Premier once again committing to releasing a full SWIS transmission plan by the end of the year.”

Media contacts:

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

The post Swift action required to ensure WA leads global energy transition  appeared first on The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.

BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy, Chevron and CITIC Pacific Mining have collectively pledged the money to ensure the continued growth of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA’s (CME) school-based Digital Technologies Program (DigiTech).  

First launched in 2020 at a handful of Pilbara schools, the DigiTech program now reaches more than 6000 students from pre-primary to Year 10 across 165 schools that span the length and breadth of WA.  

Many of those schools are among the most remote in WA, with DigiTech only expanding into metropolitan Perth in 2025.  

DigiTech’s exponential growth has seen the number of modules on offer – which focus on robotics, automation and coding – grow from one to eight, with each one aligned to the Australian curriculum. 

The renewed commitment will deliver classroom-ready digital technologies equipment for an additional 160 schools, including all Pilbara schools, and increase availability of vital coaching and mentoring services for teachers in regional and remote areas. 

With increased teacher rotation across regional and remote schools, the funding will directly support students to receive quality teaching and improve their digital literacy.  

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said DigiTech aimed to connect learning and skill development with real-world careers.  

“Through the generous and sustained support of our members, CME is working to ensure young people feel confident to use digital technologies in future career pathways,” Ms Tomkinson said. 

“Innovation continually improves the way our industry explores, operates and processes, both here in Western Australia and globally.  

“We want to ensure WA students, regardless of background or location, can participate in what is an exciting future for science and technology.” 

By December 2027, CME members will have invested nearly $3.3 million in DigiTech, with the funding used to provide digital technologies equipment to 250 schools, make the program available to more than 1000 primary and secondary schools and provide dedicated coaching and mentoring services for more than 300 WA teachers. 

Comments attributable to CME President and Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott: 

“The mining industry has amazing job opportunities for all Australians. From the Great Southern to the Pilbara, CME’s DigiTech program is equipping students with the essential skills needed for the future – not just for mining and energy jobs, but roles across all industries. 

“Rio Tinto looks forward to continuing to support the innovators and problem-solvers of the next generation of workers through this program.” 

Comments attributable to BHP Manager Community WA Rachel Donkin:  

“The DigiTech school-based program was aligned with BHP’s broader community contribution focus of strengthening outcomes in the Pilbara – both in education and beyond. 

“We work with a range of organisations and programs to help ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and pathways they need to thrive. 

“In an evolving digital world, confidence with these technologies can unlock opportunities for employment, training and further education.” 

Comments attributable to Woodside Head of Social Performance Jo Ferrie: 

“Woodside appreciates the opportunity to support students to access the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, regardless of where they live.  

“Through the Digital Technologies Program, we’re investing in both the education of young minds and the development of skills needed in our industry now and in the future, like robotics and data science, inspiring students to engage with the future of science and technology.” 

Comments attributable to CITIC Pacific Mining Head of Corporate Affairs Rob Newton: 

“CITIC Pacific Mining is proud to support this collaboration, helping to strengthen the digital skills of teachers and students across Western Australia and safeguard our State’s socio-economic future.” 

Comments attributable to Baler Primary School Digital Technologies Teacher Bradley Western: 

“Engaging in the CME program presents a valuable opportunity for our school to foster digital literacy and contextual learning among students and staff. 

“Living in the Pilbara, where mining is a central part of the community and economy, it allows us to connect abstract coding concepts to real-world applications. 

“DigiTech not only enhances student engagement but also helps them envision future career pathways in STEM fields that are directly tied to their environment.” 

Comments attributable to Tambrey Primary School principal Shiona Hobart: 

“This initiative allows us to bring real-world, digital learning right into our classrooms – something that’s not just exciting, but essential. 

“At Tambrey, we know our role goes far beyond teaching the basics; we’re helping to prepare our kids for a future where confidence with technology will open doors to countless opportunities.  

“What’s really special is watching their skills grow – not just for use at school, but in ways that will serve them well in high school, the workforce, and life beyond. 

“I’m especially looking forward to August, when Estella and Faruk will travel to Perth to showcase their work at the Resources Technology Showcase.” 

Media contacts: 

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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The $10.5 billion in royalties and payments expected in FY25 was more than enough to fund the salaries of every police officer and public health worker in the State. It also helped WA deliver an operating surplus of $2.5 billion – the State’s seventh consecutive surplus.

The continued strength in royalty payments – which have totalled $77.8 billion over the past seven years – reflects a resilient iron ore price and record prices for gold, which are masking the very challenging conditions facing nickel and lithium producers.

CME Head of Economics Aaron Walker said the resources sector continued to underpin the high quality of life enjoyed by West Australians.

“No other industry has made a greater contribution to the State’s financial health over such an extended period of time,” Mr Walker said.

“The $77.8 billion in royalty payments over the past seven years is enough to build Optus Stadium 48 times over, with that money enabling the provision of essential services such as roads, rail, schools, hospitals, police and cost of living assistance for struggling families.”

The 2025-26 Budget was headlined by $963 million in cost-of-living measures for West Australians, including rebates for residential batteries, the second round of the WA Student Assistance Payment and the introduction of one-zone flat fares across the public transport system.

It also included a focus on economic infrastructure and utilities, with $15 billion allocated over the next four years to poles wires, pipes and ports.

Of that money, an additional $584 million is being invested in Clean Energy Link North, the first of a number of major new transmission lines that will be critical to decarbonising WA’s power grids.

The WA Government’s election commitment to double the Strategic Industries Fund to $1 billion has been funded, while $543 million will be spent upgrading the Goldfields pipeline to meet growing industrial and agricultural demand for water.

Mr Walker welcomed the investment in infrastructure designed to enhance the productive capacity of WA’s resources sector.

“Royalties are now firmly entrenched as a critical revenue stream for the WA Government,” Mr Walker said.

“Ensuring that stream continues to flow strongly throughout the clean energy transition will require a sustained focus on ensuring we have the right fundamentals in place to attract global investment.”

CME’s Pre-Budget Submission focused on three key themes: accelerating the energy transition, streamlining project approvals and delivering turnkey industrial land.

“Industry is concerned about the rising cost of electricity on the South West Interconnected System (SWIS),” Mr Walker said.

“Access to affordable and reliable energy was a key issue raised at the Premier’s recent Economic Resilience Forum.

“Competitive electricity prices are essential not just for the development of new industries, but for the ongoing viability of the existing operations that have helped fund this budget.”

Earlier this week the WA Government announced a period of rapid industry consultation ahead of finalising plans for the State’s transmission rollout by the end of the year.

“It is important the WA Government prioritises releasing a master transmission plan as soon as possible because we know transmission lines are critical to unlocking investment in new large-scale renewables,” Mr Walker said.

“On the generation side, the recent release of draft Community Benefits Guidelines for renewable projects is a positive step towards accelerating the build-out required to replace coal-fired power, while ensuring local communities also benefit.”

CME also welcomes confirmation the Strategic Industries Fund will be doubled to $1 billion, as pledged ahead of the recent State election.

“We know that WA’s 13 Strategic Industrial Areas are not currently project-ready, or competitive with those on offer by our South East Asian neighbours, so we appreciate the Government taking action to address this,” Mr Walker said.

Media contacts: 

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382

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Notable commitments from Federal Labor’s election campaign included establishing a $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, going back to the drawing board on Nature Positive reforms and ruling out new taxes or royalties targeting the resources sector.  

CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said she looked forward to genuine and transparent consultation on the implementation of election promises and other ways to support the sector that underpins the national budget. 

 “Streamlining and accelerating Federal environmental assessments goes to the heart of reversing the recent decay in Australia’s investment fundamentals,” Ms Tomkinson said. 

 “Environmental law reform is long overdue but must deliver on the stated goal of improving outcomes for both the environment and for business. The only way to achieve that is through early, open and frequent consultation with all stakeholders. 

 Ms Tomkinson said well-designed industrial policy could position WA as a trusted and stable supplier of rare earths and other critical minerals as the globe scrambles to diversify supply chains. 

 “The Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve is a potentially important avenue to unlock investment in Australia’s rare earth reserves, which are the third largest in the world,” she said. 

 “However, it is vital any plans for stockpiling contain safeguards against applying continued downward pressure to commodity prices that might impact the viability of existing or prospective Australian operations.” 

Ms Tomkinson said the best way to sustain and grow the WA resources sector remained reducing the cost and complexity of doing business.  

“WA has an abundance of the minerals and energy the world needs to navigate both the energy transition and rising geopolitical instability,” she said. 

“But we’re not the only place that produces commodities like iron ore, LNG and rare earths.  

“Investors have options. As a nation, we need to start acting like we’re serious about competing for their capital. 

“The issues impacting our sector have been clearly articulated. Energy prices are too high and rising. Project assessments take far too long. Australia’s corporate tax settings are uncompetitive. Industrial relations changes have broken the crucial connection between productivity and wages growth. 

“While Future Made in Australia supports like production tax incentives and the Green Iron Investment Fund are important and welcome, they cannot compensate for flawed fundamentals.  

“Australia is well placed to capture a new wave of resources investment to underpin another generation of prosperity – but that wave will pass us by completely if we fail to get the basics right.” 

Ahead of the election, CME released a Federal Pre-Budget Submission containing more than 90 comprehensive recommendations that provide a blueprint for the Commonwealth to reverse declining productivity and maintain Australia’s standing as a resources powerhouse. 

Media contacts: 

Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719   

Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382 

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