Linden Brownley has urged mining executives and financiers to say yes to changing the lives of young Aboriginal men and women.

"Change can be daunting," the Wongatha man said, delivering the Welcome to Country to open the Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie.

"You may be confused at this critical time for our country," the local Aboriginal leader said.

He urged mining bosses and investors to consider the disparity in the community and build partnerships with industry that have the ability to change people's lives.

"Saying yes means meaningful partnerships and building real relationships," he said.

"This is how we can change our community and, if we're lucky, this is how we can change our country."

The three-day forum is a rite of passage for up and coming resources companies, suppliers, brokers and investors.

Once dominated by gold miners, the battery minerals crowd is increasingly taking the limelight at the annual event in Australia's largest outback city.

A special edition of the Deloitte WA Index to be released at the event shows mining companies linked to emissions reduction and the energy transition from coal and gas have accelerated in value.

Consumers and governments are insisting on more sustainable operations for First Nations communities and the environment, while demanding a greater supply of metals and minerals than ever before for rapidly electrifying homes and businesses.

Heritage laws and inclusive workplaces are also on the agenda, several years after Rio Tinto blew up an ancient sacred site and a year after shocking revelations about sexual harassment at mine sites.

More women are taking to the conference podium this year but make up a mere five per cent among dozens of speakers.

Amid volatile commodity markets, listed companies in the WA index gained one fifth in value in FY23 for a total value of more than $360 billion.

"It's no surprise battery technologies, EVs and lithium stocks are the talk around town," Deloitte WA partner Dave Andrews said.

"It is clear that battery-based solutions are critical to the electrification of vehicles and general mobility," he said.

The latest gadgets and robotics are also on display as automation increases across the industry to keep workers out of harm's way.

The push for onshore processing and sovereign battery manufacturing is adding further impetus for the 2500 delegates from nearly 1000 companies who have taken over the small town.

They will add their voice to calls for state and federal governments to do more to bankroll costly facilities and fast-track planning approvals.

Some 150 private homes have been made available for the delegates, with hotels booked out and airlines putting on extra flights.

The gala dinner and awards night on Wednesday was sold out months ago, as crates of supplies and an army of chefs are flown in.

In a nod to women in mining, the dinner dress code is no longer "jacket and tie". This year it's "cocktail".

Marion Rae - AAP