Q: Can you give us a brief rundown of your studies/career path and how you got into mining? A: In high school I was really confused about what career I wanted as I was interested in everything to do with science. My teachers were trying to convince me to study medicine as I had the marks for it, but I was more interested in chemistry and other science subjects. I also loved geology, rocks, landscapes, equipment, big trucks and knew I didn’t want to work inside all day, so after investigating many science-related careers decided to study a double major chemistry and extractive metallurgy.I did vacation work at the mines during the uni holidays, and this was great as it really confirmed that I enjoyed the career and industry I had chosen. This put me on a career track to be a metallurgist. 

I have worked in Australia, China and Tanzania and my career progressed from Graduate Metallurgist, to Process Metallurgist, Senior Metallurgist, Process Superintendent, Process Manager to General Manager.

Q: I bet your family is very proud of you – have they always been supportive of your endeavours in the industry?

A: My family has always been very supportive of my chosen career path and very adamant that I should pursue a career that I am interested in. I am sure they were a bit worried when I headed off to work in China at age 24, and some of my subsequent travels, but they have always been 100 per cent supportive.

Whilst working overseas for 12 years all my mail went to Mum who basically sorted, scanned and emailed all the required documents to keep my investments on track. Stuff like that really helped me out.

Q: Did you start out with specific goals; have you reached them yet and what’s next?

A: When I started out, my goal was to get a broad range of experience in various types of gold processing as a Metallurgist. This soon developed into the career goal of becoming a Process Manager. I achieved this position at age 30, which was definitely one of my career highlights. After 1-2 years' experience as Process Manager I re-set my career goal to a General Manager position, which I achieved at age 35, whilst working in Tanzania, Africa. 

What’s next? I enjoy developing new projects overseas – so will see if I can incorporate that into the future.

Q: What lessons have you learnt along the way?

A: Some things I have learnt along the way include:

• As a leader it's important to get out into the field to demonstrate visible, felt leadership and always lead by example.
• You can never keep everybody happy!
• You have to be firm and fair.  Apply the rules consistently.
• Always be courageous when it comes to standing up for safety and never take short cuts.
• Making a positive contribution to communities that surround the mine sites is an important part of our jobs.

Q: What are the best and worst aspects of working in mining?

A: Some of the best aspects of mining include: opportunity for great career and skills development, working with great people and making good friends, focus on safety in the workplace, challenging and interesting jobs, ability to earn a good income with attractive work rotations so that good work/life balance can be achieved, opportunity to travel with the job.

Some of the worst aspects of mining include: being away from family and friends for extended periods of time (especially for special occasions such as weddings, Christmas, reunions etc).

Q: In your acceptance speech you mentioned that you've travelled to many countries through your work in mining and been able to pursue other passions like scuba diving – tell us about that...

A: Through my mining career, especially while working overseas, I have had attractive work rosters which have allowed me to travel extensively in my time off. Since my first trip overseas in 1998 I have travelled to over 70 countries for work and recreation. (Yes I have the travel bug!) I love getting outdoors into national parks or under the water so I pursue my passions for scuba diving, underwater photography, hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering (and more!) on my breaks. Some of my travel highlights include hiking to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain), hiking to Everest Base Camp, diving with heaps of sharks in Galapagos Islands, going inside the Great Pyramid in Egypt, hiking active volcanoes in Guatemala & Nicaragua and trips to countries like Iceland, Namibia, Kenya, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru.

The important thing for all of us is to make an effort to get a good work/lifestyle balance and make sure that it’s not just work, work, work all the time. We can have excellent careers and get a good lifestyle balance as well. It does take effort and commitment to make it happen, but being positive and having fun and a happy life is really important to me.

Q: In such a male-dominated industry, has your gender ever been an issue?

A: No, never. Sometimes it's made certain situations more challenging, but nothing to get hung up about. If you are good at your job, work safely, are a team player, have a good work ethic and demonstrate an ability and willingness to learn and add value, then that's what counts.

Q: Do you have a mentor and would you advise others to seek one out?

A: I do have a mentor who helped provide guidance and encouragement as I developed my career. It's definitely useful to have a mentor and I would encourage it. I actively mentor people in the industry and believe it can help a lot.

Q: I'm sure many miners (men and women) will be inspired by your story. But who inspires you, and why?

A: The people that have inspired me most are my mum and dad! I don't look up to any famous people for inspiration.

Q: We read a lot these days about the mining industry trying to attract more women. What could the industry be doing differently to boost the number of female miners?

A: Getting young students interested in the mining industry at high school age is important. Many teachers and parents are not very familiar with mining and therefore mining careers are rarely a discussion point at most schools.  Positive role models and industry representatives visiting schools (talking with teachers, students & parents) would have a positive impact on increasing the number of women entering the industry.

Q: What advice do you have for young women who might be considering a career in mining?

A: If you are interested in a career in mining then go for it!! The mining industry has a huge skills shortage and women can help to close that gap. Don’t feel restricted by what is considered a 'normal' career.  It’s important to do something you are interested in.   There are many rewarding career opportunities for women in non-typical roles and these should be considered by young women interested in science, engineering or other careers in mining.    There is plenty of career choice including roles in safety, environment, accounting, metallurgy, geology, engineering and various trades.  There are many successful women in the industry today.  

Set your goals but don't give up if things get tough. Try your hardest, be confident in yourself and keep a positive attitude.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

A: It's important to do what you're interested in so you can have fun at your job. Focus on having a positive attitude and make the most out of life!

In our 'women in mining' section, MiningFM aims is to celebrate women at coalface. We'd love to hear your story: how you entered the industry, why it works for you and any advice you can offer to other women keen to be a part of Australia's booming mining industry. Tell us about it...

Other great women in mining:

• Meet Hannah, a resource geologist based out of Perth
• Burkie, the first woman to receive her ticket for the HS002 Hydraulic Shovel at Xstrata's Ernest Henry Mining in Cloncurry, Qld.
• Maura, a mining administration guru in Perth