Statistics released by the Queensland Resources Council this week revealed total employment among QRC members grew 11% in the past 12 months but the increase in women taking mining roles is particularly encouraging.

QRC chief executive Michael Roche said Queensland's resources sector will need about 15,000 extra workers by 2015 and that women will play a key role in future recruitment.

"While the statistics show a pleasing upward trend, the sector still has a way to go to ensure that more women benefit from the growth in the resources sector," Roche said.

"The QRC's Women in Resources Action Plan, now in its second year, aims to have women making up at least 12 percent of non-traditional roles by 2020."