Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA

Our sector’s contribution to the economy cannot be overstated. Last year, WA’s resources sector alone accounted for around 3 in 10 local jobs, and paid around $19 billion in wages and salaries. Our operations supported more than 18,000 local businesses - many in our regional towns and cities - and more than 1,900 community organisations. And it’s the resources we mine here in Australia that help build the things we rely on each day. Like the iron ore that goes into our buildings and bridges, and the critical minerals and rare earths that power our renewables, to name just a few. And as we look to the future, our sector will continue to play a vital role in supporting our global partners on their decarbonisation journey. #NationalMiningDay

It’s not often you get to see, first-hand, the impressive operations taking place in our Goldfields region. But that’s exactly what a team of 16 journos, photographers and camera operators got this week during a trip to three major operations in Laverton and Kalgoorlie - GOLD FIELDS' Granny Smith mine, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd's Mt Weld pit and Kalgoorlie Processing Facility, and Northern Star Resources Limited's Super Pit. From standing beside a massive 900° rare earths processing furnace, to peering over the edge of WA’s most expansive gold mining pit, news teams got a front-row seat to the action. But it’s not just the work done onsite that impacts West Aussies - it’s their investments in things like community infrastructure and organisations, workers’ accommodation, and childcare that set the standard and lead the charge. Thank you to Lynas, Northern Star and Gold Fields for an action-packed couple of days!

Did you know Kalgoorlie is home to the only specialist force dedicated to gold theft - in the world? Formed in 1906, the Gold Squad Detection Unit delivers important security for our members’ gold mining operations in the region. Together, the unit provides a range of critical support, like investigating suspected gold thefts, providing training and collecting intelligence. The GSDU is supported by CME WA through a specialised Mines Security Services membership for gold producers. Read the full story at 👉 https://lnkd.in/gcZdBSn6

Meet our 2026 WIRA Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award finalists! This Award recognises a woman aged 30 or younger who has been identified as an emerging leader, and achieved significant milestones in their career, while acknowledging their contribution to the resources sector and broader community. Congratulations to this year’s finalists – Isabella Carter, Jemima Reid, and Larrisa Diaz.

Dr Erica Smyth AC made an immeasurable contribution not just to the Western Australian resources sector, but to our entire State. As a pioneering geologist, she played a key role exploring and unlocking the mineral endowment of the Pilbara. Erica was also a tireless advocate for women’s participation in resources and an early champion of the importance of diversity and inclusion in our sector. We are saddened to learn of Erica’s passing and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

We wrapped up our Political Breakfast Series this morning with the Leader of the WA Nationals, Shane Love.   Mr Love spoke about the challenges facing regional WA and the important role both the resources sector and government can play supporting the communities that sustain mining and energy operations.    These breakfasts are an important opportunity for our members to connect directly with Government Ministers and political leaders on the issues and challenges facing our sector.   Thank you to all Members of Parliament who have taken part in the series over the past five weeks - Matthew Swinbourn, David Michael, Amber-Jade Sanderson, Basil Zempilas and Shane Love.

GOLD FIELDS’ St Ives Renewable Energy Project is more than just its infrastructure - it’s about connecting community. Earlier this month, Gold Fields unveiled seven beautiful designs which will soon transform their wind turbines into works of art. Six designs came from local students, and one was created by Indigenous artist Sara Riches, each telling a story of wind power. Once operational, the project will be one of the largest of its kind at a mine site in WA - combining wind and solar power to generate more than 70% of St Ives’ energy needs. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gqACzFee  

Meet our 2026 WIRA Women in Resources Technology Award finalists!   This category recognises a woman who has made a significant contribution to advancing technology in the resources sector, and highlights the innovative and unique solutions which have been developed within industry.   Congratulations to our 2026 finalists - Emma Eltringham, Emma Vincent and Lee van der Meulen.

WA Opposition Leader, Basil Zempilas, joined our members this morning for the fourth instalment of our Political Breakfast Series.   Mr Zempilas spoke to the WA Liberal Party's priorities during this term of government and gave an update on the Opposition’s views on key legislation before the Parliament, including the State Development Bill and the Local Government Amendment Bill.

Welcoming some of our outstanding 2026 Women in Resources Awards finalists! ✨ The CME Women in Resources Awards celebrate the women leading change across industry, and the initiatives and people who champion them. Read their stories at wira.net.au/2026-finalists