That is according to the Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Megan Kline. The mine superintendent at BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Jimblebar project, Kline was one of several mining industry figures recognised by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia at its annual Women in Resources Awards breakfast in Perth.
Kline’s view is interesting, particularly in the light of recent figures from the CME’s own Diversity in the Western Australian Resource Sector Survey, which showed overall female employment had fallen to 17.8% between 2013 and 2015.
More than 1000 people were on hand for the awards ceremony at the Perth Convention and Exhibition centre this morning, just in time for International Women’s Day on March 8. As part of the festivities Hancock Prospecting and Roy Hill Holdings executive chairman Gina Rinehart was given a lifetime achievement award.
“I am delighted to receive recognition from the industry that I have been a part of and that has been a part of me throughout so much of my life,” she said in a statement.
Rinehart reminded the industry that despite difficult times, the industry needed to ensure it had visible symbols of success so the next generation of female students could see a pathway to the top.
The award for Women in Resources Champion was given to Shell Australia’s general manager of production Michael Schoch.
Accepting the award, Schoch highlighted the importance of men advocating for changing attitudes towards women, both within the resource industry and the wider community.
“If not now, when?” he asked.
The award for Outstanding Woman in Resources went to Roy Hill director of commercial Claire Negus, for personal career achievements as well as her leadership as a mentor for other women.
Outstanding Operational/Technical/Trade Woman award winner was Alcoa’s Yvonne Fahey. Currently a mobile maintenance field planner, Fahey has spent her 21 year career in a variety of roles from site clerk to open pit mobile plant operator.
BHP Billiton Nickel West won the Outstanding Company Initiative for its Job Sharing in Senior Leadership program. The initiative has created flexibility for both women and men who can continue to advance their careers while improving work-life balance.
Around 80 female students from 18 schools around WA attended the event through the CME’s Inspiring Girls Initiative, sponsored by industry and several politicians.
The awards were hosted once again by journalist and media personality Annabel Crabb, with special guest, co-founder and content director of the Mamamia Women’s Network Mia Freedman.
