Australian resources sector honors women at 2026 WIRNA awards

The Minerals Council of Australia has announced the winners of the 2026 BHP Women in Resources National Awards (WIRNA). Held at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the awards recognize high achievers across various disciplines in the Australian resources sector, including engineering, trades, technology, and executive leadership.

Among the national winners are Rae O’Brien of Thiess, who received the Dyno Nobel Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources Award for her 30-year contribution to the sector. Kymberly Bouchardt of BMA was honored with the South32 Outstanding Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician in Australian Resources Award. Additionally, Humaira Ehsan from Hastings Deering received the Mitsubishi Development Woman in Resources Technological Innovation Award.

Other notable recipients include Jemima Reid of Barminco, who won the Newmont Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources Award. The awards aim to highlight the diverse opportunities within the industry and provide role models to inspire future generations of women in the resources workforce.