Glencore’s Maryann Wipaki named Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources
Media statement
Brisbane, Australia
Glencore’s Maryann Wipaki last night took out the top award at the prestigious BHP 2021 Women in Resources National Awards, presented by the Minerals Council of Australia.
As General Manager of Health, Safety, Environment and Community for Glencore’s Queensland Metals business, Maryann has made a tremendous contribution to Glencore’s copper and zinc operations, the north-west region and the resources sector throughout her career.
She was one of a group of trailblazing women recognised at the industry awards night, winning the 2021 Dyno Nobel Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources Award.
A champion for diversity and inclusivity amongst men and women alike, Maryann has sought to expand the organisational horizon for people to reach their full potential one decision at a time.
“Born and raised in north-west Queensland’s Cloncurry, I’ve seen a great deal of positive change throughout my 25-year career in the resources sector,” Ms Wipaki said.
“I’ve learned that improving both business and personal outcomes relies on a diversity of people and perspectives.
“And I’ve also learned that our sector needs the awkward pauses and conversations that force people to think differently about challenges or opportunities.
“Diversity in life experience, achievements and skills increases innovative thinking and allows culture to grow. When embedded into the way we do business, it enables skilled and capable women to become leaders in their field as a matter of course, not by exception, to become mentors to future generations of mining professionals.”
Glencore’s Chief Operating Officer for Zinc Assets Australia Matt O’Neill said Maryann has helped pave the way for some momentous step-changes across safety and sustainability at Glencore’s Australian metals operations.
“From a training advisor at Mount Isa Mines to a respected senior leader in our business, Maryann has helped us navigate some of the most difficult and important challenges across our company,” Mr O’Neill said.
“Maryann looks after a substantial portfolio, which includes keeping our people safe, protecting the environment and making a positive contribution to the communities where we live and operate.
“I congratulate Maryann on this achievement and would like to recognise all the finalists for their leadership and advocacy in the resource industry.”
For further information, please contact:
Agata Graham
m: +61 478 304 345
e: Agata Graham
Nadine Roberts
m: +61 436 341 650
e: Nadine Roberts
Notes for editors
About Glencore
Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 responsible-sourced commodities that advance everyday life. The Group's operations comprise around 150 mining and metallurgical sites and oil production assets.
With a strong footprint in over 35 countries in both established and emerging regions for natural resources, Glencore's industrial and marketing activities are supported by a global network of more than 30 marketing offices. Glencore's customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation and oil sectors. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities. Glencore's companies employ around 135,000 people, including contractors.
Glencore is proud to be a member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Council on Mining and Metals. We are an active participant in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050.
For more information, visit Glencore's website.
About Glencore Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, silver and gold from 26 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
We employ 17,690 people in Australia and in 2020 contributed over $13.8 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $9.5 billion with 7,890 businesses across the country, as well as $2.1 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.