Glencore’s extraordinary women shine at industry awards

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC)/Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) Resources Awards for Women event was held in Brisbane on International Women’s Day where three of our amazing Glencore women went up against the state’s best.

These prestigious industry awards are held each year to celebrate the diversity, calibre and skills of women in the resources industry.

This year, Glencore’s own Daisy Ambach, Senior Project Engineer, Global Capital Studies for Glencore Zinc Assets Australia was named Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources. Bonnie Macmillan, Leading Hand Electrician at Mount Isa Mines, was named runner up in the Exceptional Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician category, and Rebecca Roper, Mine Manager at George Fisher Mine, received highly commended in the Exceptional Woman in Resources category. A fantastic result for three incredible female advocates within the Glencore business.

Daisy Ambach, Senior Project Engineer, Global Capital Studies for Glencore Zinc Assets Australia named Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources.

Daisy was born to a family of artists in a small town in Belgium, in a region famous for its national parks. This is where her love for the environment began.

Her family moved to Australia where she finished school and went on to study a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Chemical and Environmental at the University of Queensland.

While completing research projects throughout her degree, Daisy was exposed to the complex interactions between mining, the environment and climate change. Following graduation, Daisy worked in the United Kingdom for two years as a process engineer in the oil and gas industry, focusing on international projects.

While working in the United Kingdom she was invited to work on a tailings reduction roadmap for the International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM), and this led her to pursue a career at Mount Isa Mines.

Daisy’s passion to create a more sustainable resources industry while improving diversity and inclusion go hand in hand. She deliberately chose a diverse career path that has been fundamental to her development.

“I am passionate about empowering people through diversity and inclusion. I strongly believe that people should come to work feeling that they are valued, respected and can be the drivers of meaningful change.”

“Ongoing research shows that innovation and ‘outside the box’ thinking is enhanced in highly inclusive workplaces,” says Daisy.

Daisy is a formidable advocate of a resources industry that is sustainable through a diverse and inclusive culture.

She volunteers her time as a member of WIMARQ North West Queensland, Queensland WIMARQ committee, Glencore Women in Mining Network and AusIMM North West Queensland committee. She is also a Mentor on the Mount Isa Mines Girls for Mining Program.

Bonnie Macmillan, Leading Hand Electrician at Mount Isa Mines, named runner up in the Exceptional Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician category.

In 2017, after working in real estate for a number of years, Bonnie was in search of a hands on, challenging role with career growth opportunities. She applied for a place on Mount Isa Mines’ Apprenticeship Program which is where her resources journey began.

Overcoming her own self-doubts, Bonnie quickly excelled in her trade as an Electrician, developing exceptional technical and leadership skills. She completed her apprenticeship earlier than most, and took on key leadership roles within the business.  

Receiving runner up at the recent awards only adds to Bonnie’s previous accolades. In 2019 she won Female Tradesperson of the Year at TAFE Queensland’s Trade Excellence Awards, and in 2021 won the Queensland Training Awards Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award for the North Queensland region.

Bonnie is a big believer in giving back to the community and is an advocate and mentor for Women in Mining.

Rebecca Roper, Mine Manager at George Fisher Mine, highly commended in the Exceptional Woman in Resources category.

With over 20 years in the industry, Rebecca is an accomplished Mine Manager with national and international experience in both technical and operational roles.

As she progressed through her leadership career, Rebecca recognised the importance of helping others to pursue their own career aspirations, particularly women in mining. She worked to remove barriers, improve opportunities and ensure everyone has a voice and feels equal.

Rebecca is a trailblazer and role model for women within the resources industry, forging a pathway for women in an area that is heavily male dominated. As one of the first females to become Mine Manager and Statutory Ticket holder for Glencore Zinc Assets Australia, Rebecca is responsible for 450 people, including 400 operators. She is also a ministerial appointed member of the Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) Board of Examiners supporting the industry to deliver competent, high standard Statutory Officials.

Beyond her role as Mine Manager at George Fisher Mine, a large polymetallic underground operation, Rebecca has committed herself to improving outcomes for women and the reputation of the industry through important policy changes, challenging biases for what women can and can’t do, actively working to ensure the best person for the role is considered, and providing mentorship to others.

“As a leader, I am aware it is integral we tap into different roles and skillsets through sourcing the potential of a more diverse workforce, including enhancing the retention and recruitment rate of women in our industry,” says Rebecca.

Rebecca has been a driving force behind sustainability initiatives through the application of automated technology at Glencore’s George Fisher Mine, understanding the need to constantly evolve with the increasing requirements for technical skills in data analytics, robotics and artificial intelligence. 

Sam Strohmayr, Chief Operating Officer, Glencore Zinc Assets Australia says it’s encouraging to see the wealth of talent and diversity that continues to grow within the resources sector.

“The Resources Awards for Women provides a unique platform to shine a light on exceptional women in the resources industry and to recognise the significant contribution women make in mining today,” says Sam.

“Congratulations to Daisy, Bonnie and Rebecca. We’re extremely proud of the role they play in contributing to the success of our business.”