It's estimated that women account for less than 20 per cent of Australia's mining workforce, compared with around 40 per cent of the workforce in general. But considering mining is generally thought of as a pretty 'blokey' kind of industry, that's not such a bad figure. Mining Family Matters is keen to celebrate all women in mining - both the mums and girlfriends who hold down the home front (and often their own full-time jobs!) and also those women who are out in the field, doing the FIFO/DIDO thing or working in company headquarters.

For mums who are interesting in getting into mining, or already doing the FIFO thing, check out some words of wisdom from our psychologist Angie Willcocks.

Getting into the industry:

• Where do I start? Expert recruitment advice from Rob Sellars at Constructive Recruitment
• What training and courses are best for women? Insider knowledge from Jonathan Wilson at OHSA (Occupational Health Services Australia)

Read testimonials and tips from women at the coalface:

• Julie Shuttleworth, GM of Barrick's Granny Smith Mine in WA and the 2011 Mine Manager of the Year
• Hannah, a resource geologist based out of Perth
• Maura, administration guru
• Burkie, the first woman to receive her ticket for the HS002 Hydraulic Shovel at Xstrata's Ernest Henry Mining in Cloncurry, Qld.

We'd also 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 mining boom. Tell us about it...