Diggers turnout highest in a decade

Labour shortages are tipped to prove a key theme at Diggers & Dealers this year, amid heightened expectations on environmental, social and governance matters in the resources industry.

That’s according to forum chair Jim Walker, who predicted the impact of skilled labour shortages on mining operations and project developments stemming from the pandemic and constraints on migration were likely to feature in discussions on and off-stage.

A record number of delegates arrived at the Kalgoorlie mining forum, with registration closing four days early at full capacity of 2,620 people.

The last time attendance neared those levels was in 2011.

The event is also underscored by damning findings from a parliamentary inquiry into sexual harassment in the mining industry, though how much that features throughout the conference remains to be seen. 

In his keynote address this morning, Mr Walker emphasised the importance of the resources sector for Australia and backed the sector's efforts regarding environmental, social and governance matters. 

“There a lot of good people working in the resource sector,” Mr Walker said.

“These people are proud of the job that they do and the positive socioeconomic impact of the resource companies they work for.”

He reiterated the sector's contribution to the Australian economy thought its supply, wages and taxes.

“They ensure that traditional owners of the land on which they operate are respected through cultural awareness training and continue to strive to increase Indigenous representation in their workforce,” Mr Walker said.

“They are committed to achieving gender equality in the workplace.”

Mr Walker also paid tribute to late mining entrepreneur Ron Sayers, who passed away in May.