BMA Women Scoop Pool in New Mining Awards

3rd March 2006

Poitrel Conveyor

l-r Melanie Webber, Tina Markovic & Julie McNaughton

Women working at BMA operations have won three of six achievement awards - including the major prize - presented at an International Women's Day function held in Brisbane on 8 March.

The Queensland Resources Council's inaugural 'Resources Award for Women' was presented to high achievers in the minerals and energy sector by the Minister for Environment, Local Government, Planning and Women, Desley Boyle.

The winner of the major prize was Tina Markovic, Queensland's first ever female manager of a major mining operation. Tina is manager of BHP Mitsui Coal's new Poitrel Mine, located in central Queensland.

The awards are part of an action plan being developed by the industry to encourage more women to consider careers in the resources sector, especially during a time when the industry is facing skills shortages.

Tina, who took up her current role in September last year, says it demonstrates to other women that they can succeed at a senior level in the industry.

“I believe that women are an untapped resource when it comes to addressing our skills shortage,” said Tina.

“These awards, which are about recognising the positive contribution many women make to the industry and highlighting role models for young women, are the first step.

“There is no better time than now to encourage young women to consider the resources sector for their future.”

BMA's Julie McNaughton, Environmental Superintendent at Blackwater Mine, and Melanie Webber, Project Field Engineer at Peak Downs Mine were presented with Outstanding Achievement awards at the function.

Julie is active in mine site events and in local schools to get the message across about modern day environmental management on mines. She also mentors and coaches young professionals working in the industry.

“I can see a tangible difference made by the work that I do, which is great motivation to keep on improving,” she said.

Melanie is actively involved in activities at the Moranbah Primary School as a mentor for the robotics and advanced technology program. She helps out after work and on weekends to assist students with their projects.

“My motivation for becoming involved in this program has purely been to take the opportunity to provide a positive female role model,” said Melanie.

“Many of the students in the robotics program are female and I believe that my involvement in their project has given them an insight into what being a female engineer is like and to open their eyes to the possibility of a career in the resource industry.”

Other Resources Award for Women achievement award winners include Kristy Lyttle Senior Coal Quality Geologist at Ensham Mine; Anna McMullen Manager of Project Approvals at Rio Tinto Coal Australia and Kelly Stokes refinery specialist at Sun Metals Corporation's zinc refinery in Townsville.

Pictured: l-r Melanie Webber, Tina Markovic and Julie McNaughton received recognition for their achievements in the resources industry at a International Woman's Day funciton in Brisbane.