Established 2005
From a founding vision held by a small group of passionate advocates, AEMEE has grown into the leading national industry body driving Indigenous market share, capability growth, and commercial equity across the resources, energy, and critical minerals sectors.
The AEMEE story
Australia's resources sector is one of the largest contributors to the national economy, yet for generations Indigenous people had limited access to the economic opportunities created on their own Country.
AEMEE was established in 2005 on a simple belief: Indigenous businesses and Traditional Owners should share in the economic opportunities created by the resources sector.
What began as a small network of Indigenous business leaders has grown into Australia's national, Indigenous-led industry body for Indigenous enterprises in resources. For more than two decades, AEMEE has connected Indigenous businesses, Traditional Owner enterprises, industry and government, helping increase visibility, strengthen relationships and create pathways to opportunity across the sector.
As Indigenous businesses have grown in scale, capability and influence, so too has AEMEE's role. Today, AEMEE represents one of Australia's largest networks of Indigenous enterprises operating across mining, energy, critical minerals and mine closure, working to grow Indigenous market share and strengthen Indigenous economic outcomes across the resources sector.
21+ Year History
A journey from a founding vision to a nationally recognised engine for Indigenous enterprise, advocacy, and commercial opportunity.
The first AEMEE Conference was held in Alice Springs, bringing together Indigenous businesses, industry and government around a shared vision for Indigenous economic opportunity in the resources sector.
AEMEE partnered with the Centre for Social and Responsibility in Mining, University of Queensland to develop one of Australia's first Indigenous procurement benchmarking frameworks, helping shape evidence based industry approaches to Indigenous business engagement and procurement.
The appointment of AEMEE's inaugural Chief Executive Officer marked a significant milestone, establishing dedicated leadership to drive growth, partnerships and impact beyond the annual conference.
AEMEE celebrated 20 years of impact at the National Conference on Larrakia Country, bringing together Indigenous businesses, Traditional Owners, industry and government from across Australia.
With a renewed strategy and national focus, AEMEE enters its next chapter focused on leadership and advocacy across the sector and growing Indigenous market share, strengthening supply chains and advancing Indigenous economic outcomes across the resources sector.
Our Story in Photos
For more than two decades, AEMEE has brought together Indigenous businesses, Traditional Owners, industry and government to strengthen relationships, share knowledge and create opportunity across the resources sector.
Where it all began. Indigenous business leaders, industry and government came together in Alice Springs to establish a national platform for Indigenous enterprise in resources.
AEMEE's national conference reached Canberra, strengthening engagement with policymakers and elevating Indigenous business voices on the national stage.
The AEMEE Awards continue to recognise the achievements, leadership and success of Indigenous businesses operating across the resources sector.
The appointment of AEMEE's inaugural CEO marked the beginning of a new era of growth, partnerships and year-round impact.
More than 20 years after its founding, AEMEE returned to the national stage to celebrate the businesses, leaders and partnerships that have shaped the organisation's journey.
As the resources sector evolves, AEMEE continues to focus on growing Indigenous market share and creating lasting economic opportunities for Indigenous enterprises.
CEO, AEMEE
AEMEE was built on the simple belief that Indigenous businesses deserve real market share and real opportunity in the sectors that shape Australia’s future. As the demand for critical minerals and renewable energy accelerates, so too must our influence, our capability, and our presence.
CEO, AEMEE
Chairperson, AEMEE
For more than two decades, AEMEE has stood alongside Indigenous businesses and Traditional Owners as a trusted advocate and connector. This next chapter is about scale and impact. It is about unlocking opportunity across the supply chain, strengthening our partnerships with industry, and ensuring Indigenous people play a decisive role.
Chairperson, AEMEE
