A crowd of about 50 people turned out for the launch, which included a question and answer session with a panel comprising 2016 Tasmanian finalists Tarrisha Simpson and Ariel Pasco, and 2016 outstanding Australian tradeswoman, operator or technician Kelly Down.

Women in Mining Network Tasmania chairman Ted Bradshaw said the awards were aimed at increasing the number of women in the mining and resources industry.

“Whatever we can do to promote and encourage more women to join the industry and to successfully get promoted up through the ranks the better,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“Given that it's a male-dominated industry, it doesn't have a high percentage of women in it, part of the challenge is to increase that percentage over the next five years.”

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Sarah Courtney encouraged those in the Tasmanian resource sector to come forth with nominations for outstanding women in the industry.

"Women comprise 14.8 per cent of Australian mining employees and 22.6 per cent in electricity, gas, water and waste services and as a result, women only hold 15.1 per cent of senior and management roles,” Ms Courtney said.

“The industry is actively trying to address these issues and is aiming for female participation of 20 per cent in non-traditional roles by 2020.”

Applications can be made here.