Spearheading Women in Mining Programs

Spearheading Women In Mining Programs
Spearheading Women in Mining Programs
  • The Indigenous Women in Hard Hats program won “Best Company Initiative” in the 2011 Queensland Resources Council Awards for Women
  • Recruitment programs to attract and retain female employees that offer flexible hours, home-based work and financial education assistance
  • A range of personal protective equipment (PPE) items specifically designed for women
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Thiess has been active in its promotion of women in the industries in which we operate. A number of major initiatives are working to support the skills shortage faced in the mining industry. Many of our initiatives are providing real opportunities for women wanting to work in the industry.

Our ground-breaking Indigenous Women in Hard Hats mining industry program is one such initiative. This unique partnership with the Queensland Government is leading the way for regional recruitment. Under the program, Indigenous women are recruited and trained for a variety of challenging roles at the Burton Coal Mine in the Bowen Basin, including the operation of some of the largest machinery on site.

The first graduates included a group of ten women selected for the mine readiness training which was conducted in Brisbane and Mackay. Training included personal development, employment skills and heavy vehicle simulations prior to the commencement of hands-on training.

Other programs such as Enginhearing Recruitment Program aim to attract and retain female employees. The program offers work arrangements that help women balance work, family and study commitments. A combination of flexible hours, home-based work and financial education assistance is available.

Thiess is encouraging young women to complete engineering degrees by co-sponsoring a scholarship with the Queensland Resources Council. The Thiess/Queensland Resources Council Scholarship for second-year female engineering students was presented this year to University of Queensland Chemical Engineering student Rachel Jukes. The $8000 scholarship aims to support female students at the start of their careers.

We provide a range of personal protective equipment (PPE) items specifically designed for women. These include jeans, trousers and work shirts. Emphasis on the correct fit for PPE upholds Thiess’ stringent safety standards and provides women with tailored items that demonstrate value and respect for individual needs.

These achievements are only the first step in ensuring that the company’s mining activities represent and become part of the wider communities in which they operate. At the Lake Vermont Coal Project, Thiess is targeting the engagement of approximately 23% of women as part of the workforce. The roles include mine workers, technicians, maintenance employees, engineers, administration, graduates and supervisory roles.