29 September 2008
Hail Creek Mine recognised for encouraging women to work in the resource industry
Hail Creek Mine's award-winning recruitment campaign to attract women into non-traditional roles has received further recognition.
The Mackay mine has been recognised as a finalist in the Workforce Planning Award at the 2008 Mining Industry Skills Centre Training Awards for providing opportunities for women to join the mining industry and further their skills development and career opportunities through training, on-the-job experience and various upskilling programmes.
Hail Creek Mine General Manager Operations Andrew Woodley said more than 15 per cent of the mine's employees are women, making up almost a fifth of its workforce and a quarter of the professional employee workforce.
"We have been running this campaign for the past five years, and as result our workforce is now more representative of the local community and has brought new and diverse skills to the business," Mr Woodley said.
"It has certainly brought a better balance within the workforce. Women play a significant role in contributing to the culture at Hail Creek Mine and are involved in every aspect of the mine, from exploration to mine planning, operating equipment and coal processing, right through to providing advice on health, safety, employee and community issues."
Mr Woodley said male employees have provided feedback that women play an important role in the culture of the workplace and help create a family-friendly, supportive environment that is more representative of the gender balance within the general community.
"Hail Creek Mine is proud of its successful culture and will continue to strive towards a diverse and highly skilled workforce," Mr Woodley said.
"Women add significant value and enhance the operation of the mine."
One of Hail Creek Mine's next greatest challenges will be to investigate further innovative solutions to attract women into trade roles.
"Various programmes have been initiated in partnership with the education system and local businesses to provide support for community programmes, which we hope will further attract and increase the number of women seeking employment in non-traditional roles."
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Alison Smith
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
07 3361 4223 / 0438 787 038