QRC CEO Ian Macfarlane said the indigenous workforce was also much younger than the overall resources sector workforce, with 43% under 35 compared to 35% of the overall resources workforce.

 

"Many people wouldn't be aware but Queensland's resources sector is one of two sectors - the other being the public sector - that has a genuine representation of Indigenous employees," he said. 

 

Indigenous people comprise 4% of the state's workforce in resources. 

 

"Last year Indigenous employment grew by 11% in our sector," Macfarlane said.

 

QRC is calling for nominations for its annual Indigenous Awards to celebrate excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the state's resources sector.

 

The Closing the Gap 2018 update reported 6599 Indigenous Australians were employed by the mining industry an increase of 250% since 2006. 

 

The number of non-Indigenous Australians employed in mining increased 150% over the same period.

 

"The same report stated the mining industry itself is employing significantly more Indigenous Australians than previously and we need to champion these employees," Macfarlane said.