The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has announced the finalists for the Rio Tinto Women in Resources National Awards, which are designed to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional women whose achievements inspire others in the resources sector.
Prior to the finalists’ announcement, the MCA stated that building the future of the Australian resources workforce means the industry needs to boost its focus on increasing workforce diversity and inclusion, including gender diversity.
“Encouraging women to pursue a career in mining is vital if we are to increase the number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths professionals which our innovative, high-skill industry will need to meet growing demand for Australia’s world-class resources,” said Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia.
Some progress on the gender equality gap has been made over recent years, with over 33,400 women working in the sector in 2017, up 8,900 female workers since 2001. Yet, with only 16 per cent of Australia’s minerals workforce being women, it’s increasingly clear that there’s still a long way to go.
The MCA noted that the Australian minerals industry is changing to attract a more diverse workforce with most employers offering part-time work options and flexible hours along with other great initiatives. Two of the initiatives that were listed include:
- Downer EDI Mining participating in a project that connects schools with industry organisations to increase female participation in science, technology, engineering, maths and trades careers; and
- St Barbara as the Workforce Gender Equality Agency Employer of Choice since 2014, with 100 per cent of women returning to work following parental leave between 2009 and 2016 (up from 50 per cent between 2007 and 2009).
2018 is the fifth year of the awards, a partnership between the MCA, Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia, NSW Minerals Council, South Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council and Queensland Resources Council.
More information on these awards can be found here.
Here is a full list of the 2018 finalists:
Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance Award:
ERA Ranger Women’s Network – Energy Resources of Australia
Rio Tinto White Ribbon Accreditation – Rio Tinto
Inclusion & Diversity at Rio Tinto Weipa – Rio Tinto
Diversity – South32 policies in action – South32
GHD – Diversity and Inclusion at GHD – GHD
The Newcrest Australian Parental Program – Newcrest
Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources:
Nicole Brook – Glencore
Katrina Bangay – Energy Resources Australia/Rio Tinto
Jo-anne Dudley – Rio Tinto
Donna McDermott – Hydro Tasmania
Vanessa Sullivan – Tasrail
Melanie McCarthy – Mandalay Resources
Peta Libby – Digirock
Kalpana Maharage – Fortescue Metals Group Ltd
Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources:
Kristy Christensen – South32
Helen Gill – South 32
Holstein Wong – BHP
Nima Sherpa – BHP
Caroline Dunning – MMG
Dhakshi Weerawardena – BHP
Gender Diversity Champion in Australian Resources:
Deirdra McCracken/Tindale – BHP/WiMNet NSW
Linda Murry – Rio Tinto
Rachel Durdin – Rio Tinto
John Graham – South 32
Sarah Jones – Orica
Veena Mendez – Chevron Australia
Outstanding Australian Trade, Operator or Technician:
Hana Newbury – Peabody
Katrina Bangay – Energy Resources Australia/Rio Tinto
Dannielle Weston – Hastings Deering
Tarrisha Simpson – South 32
Nicole O’Keefe – BHP
