International Day of Women in Mining in the North West

On 24 June 2023, the North West mining community swapped their high-vis and steel cap boots for ball gowns and heels in honor of International Day of Women in Mining celebrations hosted by the Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) in Mount Isa.

The WIMARQ North West branch united over 150 guests to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in the mining sector, as well as create awareness of the diversity and inclusion challenges currently faced by the industry.

Guests heard from Bobbie Hart, Human Resources Superintendent, 29Metals and Daisy Ambach, Senior Project Engineer, Glencore. Guests also heard from Glencore Zinc Australia Chief Operating Officer, Sam Strohmayer, who shared his vision for a more gender-diverse industry.

“Employment equity and creating sustainable opportunities for our workforce is a pivotal part of Glencore’s ongoing aspirations to be an employer of choice, and one of the world’s leading mining organisations. By creating an inclusive, diverse, and safe culture, we are building a future-ready workforce,” he said.

Greeted by a Sandvik’s jumbo drill rig, guests enjoyed posing for photos, connecting with their peers across the region and dancing the night away.

Founded in 2005, WIMARQ is a non-profit organisation dedicated to connecting, nurturing, and supporting women to achieve their goals within the Queensland Mining and Resources sector and to influence improvements in gender diversity and inclusion outcomes through their thought leadership reference group.

As a dedicated committee of industry experts, WIMARQ organise opportunities for mentoring and support for women who are working in, studying for, or taking a break from the minerals and energy sectors.

Women and men from all sections of the industry are encouraged to attend WIMARQ events, which are held across Queensland.

Glencore remains a proud sponsor and supporter of WIMARQ events.