Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs and industry were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Australia's resources sector, as the 19th Annual Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration (AEMEE) Conference came to a glamorous close in Rubibi (Broome).
The two-day conference concluded on Thursday, November 5, with a night of celebrations at the 2026 AEMEE National Awards celebrating Indigenous leadership, business growth and partnerships creating economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Held under the theme The Next Era: Leadership. Ownership. The Future., the conference brought together Traditional Owners, Indigenous businesses, industry leaders and government representatives to discuss the future of Indigenous economic participation across Australia's mining, energy and exploration sectors.
AEMEE chief executive Jyi Lawton said the conference provided an important opportunity for Indigenous businesses and major resources companies to have meaningful conversations about the industry's future.
"The past few days have been incredibly powerful. We've brought together Traditional Owners, Indigenous businesses and some of the country's largest resources companies to have meaningful conversations about where we are, where we're heading and what the next era of Indigenous business looks like," Mr Lawton said.
"But tonight is about recognising the people and businesses who are already out there doing the work.
"Across the country, Indigenous businesses are delivering major projects, employing our people, building new industries and demonstrating that we have the capability to operate at every level of the resources sector.
"These awards are about recognising those achievements, but they're also about showing the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders what's possible."
Held at Broome Civic Centre, the awards recognised businesses and individuals making significant contributions through employment, training, innovation and commercial partnerships.
MDM Mining and Civil took home Indigenous Business of the Year for its growing mining and civil contracting operations across regional and remote Northern Australia. Evolution Mining and Civil was runner-up.
Black and White Contracting, established in 2024, received New Indigenous Business of the Year, recognising its rapid growth and delivery of mechanical, electrical and construction services across Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Karlayura General Cranes was runner-up.
The Powering Country Award went to Woollahra Group for its national industrial supply and manufacturing operations, while Indigenous Energy Australia and Partners received runner-up recognition.
Wajarri-Nanda businessman and Mallard Contracting founder Robby Mallard was named Sector Champion of the Year (Male), recognising his commitment to Aboriginal employment, training and mentoring. Runners-up were Kernon Lalara and Kurt Jaragba, Aquaculture Technicians at Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation.
Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Luarna Dynevor received the female award for her leadership in strengthening Traditional Owner commercial opportunities and advocating for Barada Barna people. Nicky Tyson was runner-up.
The Collaboration of the Year award recognised AMY Nominees and Thiess for their longstanding partnership supporting employment, workforce development and contracting opportunities for Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara people.
The Judges' Choice Award was shared by Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation, recognised for developing an Anindilyakwa-led aquaculture industry on Groote Eylandt, and IMC PKKPE JV Pty Ltd for its mining and civil construction capabilities in the Pilbara and commercial outcomes for PKKP people.
KCU also received a Judges' Special Commendation for its contribution to Indigenous business.
Mr Lawton said the achievements reflected a broader shift in the role Indigenous businesses were playing across the resources industry.
"We're seeing Indigenous businesses move beyond traditional subcontracting opportunities into larger contracts, new industries, more complex projects and stronger commercial relationships," he said.
"The next era has to be about Indigenous people having a greater say in decisions, greater ownership of opportunities and a stronger position in the industries operating on our Country.
"The businesses and leaders recognised tonight are showing what that future can look like.
"And while there's still a lot of work to do, there's also a great deal to celebrate."
The 19th Annual AEMEE Conference was held on November 4 and 5, supported by inaugural Legacy Partner Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation and Djarindjin Airport, Gold Sponsor Rio Tinto and other industry partners.
