The Federal Hotel, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, pictured on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The Diggers and Dealers Mining Conference in Kalgoorlie, Australia, continues to evolve amid shifting industry dynamics and societal expectations. While the annual event celebrates its 34th year, it faces scrutiny over its gender representation and the connection to local adult entertainment. This year, only one woman presented among 67 speakers, highlighting ongoing challenges for gender diversity in the mining sector.
The Federal Hotel, recently reopened after nearly a decade, has sparked conversation by implementing a policy of featuring scantily-clad barmaids, known locally as “skimpies,” during the Diggers event. Owner Ante Jerkovic expressed the intention to attract more patrons to the hotel, acknowledging the financial boost Diggers brings to the community. “We thought we’d have them just for Diggers to see how it goes,” Jerkovic stated in an interview with The West Australian.
Jim Walker, chairman of Diggers, emphasized that the hotel’s approach is independent of the conference’s identity. “It’s their business. How they run it is separate to Diggers & Dealers,” he affirmed, noting that participation in such entertainment is a personal choice for attendees.
Despite the Federal Hotel’s attempts to capitalize on the Diggers’ popularity, major mining companies have been withdrawing from the conference. Notably, BHP and Fortescue opted out after last year, while South32 stepped back in 2022. Rio Tinto has not participated since the Juukan Gorge disaster in 2020. The growing concern over reputational risks associated with adult entertainment is prompting these companies to reconsider their involvement.
Walker acknowledged the absence of BHP, which recently closed its Goldfields Nickel West operations, but remained optimistic about the future. “There’s a huge waiting list of smaller exploration companies wanting to step in,” he noted. He believes the conference serves as a crucial platform for junior companies seeking investment and networking opportunities.
Gender diversity at Diggers has also come under fire, particularly with the exit of prominent female leaders from the mining sector. Rowena Smith, chief executive of Australian Strategic Materials and the only female presenter this year, reflected on the slow progress for women in junior mining roles. “In that time period, representation for women has increased substantially at the big end of town, but for the juniors, it’s slower,” she explained, sharing her experiences from working with major companies.
Walker addressed the diversity issue, stating that it is up to the companies to select their presenters. “We’ve offered that to make sure we do get that diversity,” he added, expressing willingness to accommodate businesses looking to feature diverse voices at the conference.
Attendance figures for Diggers in 2025 were estimated between 2,300 and 2,500, a decline from 2,700 in 2024. With delegate passes priced at approximately $2,250 and booth fees reaching $9,750, the conference’s total revenue is projected around $6.9 million. Walker noted that these numbers are often influenced by accommodation availability in Kalgoorlie.
The mining landscape remains vibrant, particularly with the ongoing interest in gold, which keeps the mood upbeat at this year’s event. As Diggers continues to navigate the complexities of tradition and modern expectations, its future remains uncertain. “I think what we’ve got now works,” Walker concluded, while also acknowledging the need for continued adaptation. The question for Diggers going forward is whether it can maintain its unique heritage while embracing necessary changes in a rapidly evolving industry.
