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Diversity and inclusion

The Australian mining industry is committed to inclusion and diversity and providing a workplace where people feel safe to bring their whole selves to work.

Creating an environment in which everyone feels safe to bring their real and best selves to work is a priority for the industry. With more career pathways than ever, Australia’s mining industry needs motivated people of all ages, genders, cultures and experiences to enhance the future of mining. Employing a diverse workforce has never been more important.

To remain globally competitive and to attract the best and brightest, the mining industry needs the diversity of thought and experience that comes from employing people from different backgrounds. The mining workforce also needs to reflect the communities in which miners live and work, and that means actively seeking a mix of people across age groups, caring responsibilities, cultural backgrounds, physical abilities, gender identity and sexual orientation. 

Industry of Choice Framework 

The MCA Industry of Choice Framework is built around the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks: Standards for Organizations Around the World and aims to position and promote the mining industry for job seekers, investors, employers, talent, and partners. 

A diverse workforce requires flexible training and education options and industry invests millions of dollars every year to equip employees with the skills they need for a fulfilling career. 

From graduate programs to retraining for older workers, the industry regularly relies on local training by education providers in the regions. Skills, education and training are critical pathways into careers in mining. 

Download the Industry of Choice Framework

Diversity and inclusion – Resources

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Website of a national workforce gender diversity initiative facilitated by the Australian Mines and Metals Association.

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Australian Institute of Company Directors

Includes resources on diversity, inclusion and culture.

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Australian Women in Resources Alliance

A national workforce gender diversity initiative facilitated by Australia’s resource industry employer group, AMMA. Includes resources, tools and free lunchtime webinars.

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Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre

BCEC is an independent economic and social research organisation located within the Curtin Business School at Curtin University.

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Chief Executive Women

CEW represents more than 650 of Australia’s most senior and distinguished women leaders. Striving to educate and influence all levels of Australian business and government on the importance of gender balance through advocacy, targeted programs and scholarships.

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Culture Plus Consulting – Include-Empower

Include-Empower.com is a full-service diversity and inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with global reach, providing evidence-based, best-practice solutions for developing a culture of inclusion and innovation.

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Boston Consulting Group – Diversity and Inclusion

BCG’s unique research is dispelling myths and enhancing the dialogue about a range of topics related to diversity, including ambition, mobility, engagement, and overall career satisfaction.

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Catalyst

Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women.

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Catalyst – Men Advocating Real Change

MARC, Men Advocating Real Change, is a Catalyst initiative that inspires men to leverage their unique opportunity and responsibility to be advocates for equity.

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CEOs for Gender Equality

A CEO-led organisation of men and women dedicated to individually and collectively advancing the vision of CEOs for Gender Equity.

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Diversity Australia

Diversity Australia is committed to improving and sustaining employment outcomes for people from diverse backgrounds.

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Diversity Partners

Diversity Partners is one of Australia’s leading consulting firms guiding organisations to achieve more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

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Equality Rights Alliance

Equality Rights Alliance is Australia’s largest network advocating for women’s equality, women’s leadership and recognition of women’s diversity, bringing together 61 organisations with an interest in advancing women’s equality.

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EY – Women Fast Forward

Women. Fast forward is the EY global platform which engages EY staff, clients and communities to advance gender equality.

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Factive Consulting

Innovative services and programs to drive cultural and behavioural change.

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Human Rights Commission

The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory organisation, established by an act of Federal Parliament to protect and promote human rights in Australia and internationally.

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McKinsey & Company

New research makes it increasingly clear that companies with more diverse workforces perform better financially.

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McKinsey & Company – Gender Equality

Global research on the gender gap and the case for greater diversity in the workplace.

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Queensland Resources Council – Resourceful Women

The QRC works with companies and individuals to champion gender diversity in the resources sector.

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Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia promotes and facilitates respect, trust and positive relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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Supply Nation

Supply Nation provides Australia’s leading database of verified Indigenous businesses: search by business name, product, service, area, or category.

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Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency is an Australian Government statutory agency created by the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. The Agency is charged with promoting and improving gender equality in Australian workplaces.

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Women in Tech – Western Australia

WiTWA is a Perth-based, not for profit organisation providing a framework for women in tech to extend their networks and expand their knowledge.

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Women on Boards Australia

Women on Boards has been working since 2006 to address gender inequity in the boardroom and across leadership roles.

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Related Resources

  • The Future of Work - The Changing Skills Landscape for Miners
  • The Future of Work - The economic implications of technology and digital mining
  • Industry of Choice Framework

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Other Policies

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Economic Policy

Australian mining is a nation builder and global leader. It is Australia’s largest exporter, company tax payer and investor in infrastructure.

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Workforce, innovation and skills

A highly skilled and technologically advanced future workforce will be required for the specialist mining occupations coming online.

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Trade and Investment

Trade, investment and economic co-operation maximise opportunities for Australia’s mining and minerals processing industry to boost national income, generate government revenue and create high value jobs.

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Safety and health

The safety, health and psychological wellbeing of the mining workforce is the industry’s number one value and commitment.

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Energy and climate change

To achieve net zero emissions, Australia requires a stable policy framework enabling all low emissions technologies to participate in competitive decarbonisation of the economy.

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 Workplace relations

Australia needs a modern and adaptable workplace system that attracts investment, drives sustainable wage growth, supports communities and contributes to national prosperity.

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Sustainability

The Australian minerals industry is committed to responsible mining through continual improvement of environmental stewardship and social performance and by contributing to sustainable development.

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