Case study
Representatives from Foxleigh’s Hot Seat Crew, Tania Saunders, Natalie Markey and Nicole Revie with Dawson Mine Production Trainee Patricia Rankin, receiving their awards
Foxleigh mine was awarded Best Company Initiative at the Queensland Resources Council annual Resources Awards for Women breakfast in March 2010. The award recognised the mine’s entry-level “Hot-Seat Crew” for 19 haul truck operators, of which almost 75% are women. Dawson mine production trainee, Patricia Rankin also received a Highly Commended award in the Operator category.
The Resource Awards for Women formally acknowledge the contribution and achievements of women in the resources sector, while advocating the industry as an exciting career option for women.
Head of Human Resources David Diamond said the company was delighted to be leading the way within the resource industry with its workforce diversity programmes and initiatives.
“Mining has historically been a male-dominated industry, today I’m pleased to report we are making real progress in attracting and retaining an increasing number of women, especially in non-traditional female roles such as engineering and machine operation,” David said.
“Anglo American’s winning Foxleigh mine’s Hot-Seat Crew campaign provides women with a genuine entry-level opening into the resource industry.
“The introduction of flexible working hours, primarily in day shift, has resulted in close to 75% of the 19- person production crew being female,” David said.
Foxleigh mine general manager Martin Ryan said the Hot-Seat Crew had launched the mining careers of 15 previously unskilled mining personnel.
“Our Hot-Seat Crew members now have much sought-after operator skills and work experience, and are directly responsible for increasing our equipment utilisation and production rates by one hour each day per truck and excavator,” Martin said.
Dawson mine’s production trainee Patricia Rankin’s achievements in encouraging women from her home community, Woorabinda, to work in non-traditional roles were fittingly recognised when she was presented with a High Commendation in the 2010 RAW Operator category.
“The Dawson Mine Readiness Programme and Production Traineeship have had such a positive impact on my life,” Patricia said.
“My interest in joining the mining industry has never been a case of remuneration being the major attraction, rather it was the opportunity to be a positive role model for my children and for the other women in my community,” she said.