Nominations are open for women employed in the NSW minerals industry to enter the inaugural Women in Mining NSW Awards, the first of its type in the State. NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the awards recognise the valuable contribution and achievements of women working within the industry as well as the efforts of individuals and companies to encourage and retain female participation in the sector. “Our NSW mining women are world class and proud of what they’re achieving - helping to build stronger communities, creating innovative technology, practicing world-leading safety and developing new practices to reduce mining’s impact on the environment,” Mr Galilee said.

“The NSW Minerals Council developed these awards, to mark our appreciation of their efforts and celebrate a culture of continual improvement and excellence across our industry. “The shortage of women employed in many industry roles such as engineers, environmental scientists, geologists, surveyors and tradespeople is a big issue for NSW mining. “That’s why last year we established the Women in Mining NSW Network (WIMIN_NSW), to address the challenges impacting the recruitment and retention of women in the minerals industry. “Harnessing social media as well as more traditional forums, WIMIN_NSW provides an important source of information and support to existing and potential female mining employees.”

Four awards will be made in the following categories;

The WIMIN_NSW Outstanding Woman in NSW Mining Award recognises and celebrates the exceptional achievement by a woman working in the NSW mining industry, in any occupation

The WIMIN_NSW Outstanding Initiative Award is open to individuals and companies. The award recognises individuals/companies who have put in place initiatives to attract and retain women in the NSW mining sector, particularly in areas where women are underrepresented

The WIMIN_NSW Rising Star Award recognises exceptional achievement by a woman who hasworked in the NSW resources sector from one to five years, in any occupation or profession

The WIMIN_NSW Aspiring Star Award recognises an ambitious young woman who has undertaken vacation or short term work in the NSW mining industry and has the potential to become a future innovator in the NSW mining industry.

Submissions for the Awards are due by 31 January 2013 and the Award PresentationDinner will be held in Sydney on Thursday 7 March 2013 in Sydney.