IMARC announces inaugural First Nations partner

A landmark announcement set to foster stronger connections between First Nations communities and the minerals and resources sector, the partnership will also look to raise the profile of First Nations workers in the industry worldwide.

With the IMARC conference taking place both in-person and online in Melbourne from October 25-27, IWIMRA will bring 30 women working in Australian mining operations to the conference, providing them with the exposure and experiences to empower them and the industry going forward.

Some of the First Nations women will be speakers at the conference, while there will be dedicated sessions taking place that champion the involvement of First Nations workers. A Welcome to Country will also take place at the beginning of IMARC.

IWIMRA co-founder and chief executive officer Florence Drummond says the partnership with IMARC is a capstone moment for IWIMRA and the Australian mining industry as a whole.

“We are so excited to be formalising this partnership with IMARC and it’s only now that we are starting to recognise how truly impactful it will be,” Drummond said.

“There are the obvious benefits of participating at IMARC, such as IWIMRA having a physical presence with an exhibition booth, hosting panel sessions and speaking as part of the conference, however there is so much more to be gained beyond the transaction.

“This partnership, which has been progressing over the past three years, is truly transformational for IWIMRA. It means that we have action and commitment from a major global resources conference and that we have recognition, reconciliation and a real seat at the table.”

IMARC is the first resources event in Australia to have a First Nations partner and the partnership comes as part of the conference’s Balance for Better Program – an initiative that looks to promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the mining industry.