Anglo American’s landmark Balancing the Team female trainee underground miner program at Moranbah North Mine was today recognised as one of the best diversity programs in the state at the annual Resources Awards for Women.
Anglo American’s first intake of female trainee underground miners at Moranbah North Mine.
Aimed at improving female representation in the Underground Mine Technician ranks, Balancing the Team delivered a step change in in recruitment of women for underground coal mining roles through the creation of eight new entry-level trainee underground miner roles for women, with no experience necessary.
Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Tyler Mitchelson, congratulated the team from Moranbah North Mine on the award, which recognised excellence and innovation in gender diversity programs.
“Increasing female representation in underground mine technician ranks is one of the most challenging areas for our industry, so the significance of this program cannot be understated,” he said.
“This program was the first of its kind for a Queensland underground coal mine, and a critical step toward creating a more inclusive environment for women in underground coal mining.
“My sincere congratulations go to our Moranbah North Mine General Manager, Paul Stephan, and his team who have changed the way we approach recruitment and training, for the better.
“At Anglo American, we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, and Balancing the Team is an important part of that,” Mr Mitchelson said.
While the program has been key driver of improved inclusion and diversity at Moranbah North, it has also been a catalyst for facility upgrades, process improvements and an enhanced selection and recruitment process across all entry-level roles at the mine.
Speaking at the event, Moranbah North Mine General Manager Paul Stephan acknowledged the dedication of his team in creating and delivering the program.
“The support of our team at Moranbah North has been remarkable, and it’s been a truly collaborative effort to deliver this innovative and robust recruitment program,” Mr Stephan said.
“We’re incredibly proud of what our Balancing the Team female underground miner trainee program has achieved in terms of gender representation and broader improvements to inclusion that have been made as a direct result of this program.
“We had a record number of women applying for these roles, with more than 1,300 applications, demonstrating there is a huge demand for programs that provide clear opportunities for women in mining, if an innovative approach is taken.
“Fathers who work at the mine now see opportunities for their daughters in the industry, and local high schools have completed underground visits for female students to showcase available career opportunities.
“We look forward to continuing to build on the program’s success.”
The company successfully pursued a decision with the Fair Work Commission in 2018 to be able to specifically target women in recruitment advertising.
Anglo American is a leading global mining company, with significant investments within Australia and particularly in Queensland. The company operates five metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, along with additional joint venture interests.
*Images and video footage available: https://angloamerican.box.com/s/g22j2k2isgr7f9txfcdvmhi4sgcllojq
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Anglo American’s Balancing the Team female trainee underground miner program at Moranbah North Mine was today recognised as one of the best diversity programs in the state at the annual Resources Awards for Women.