Celebrating the contribution of women to the resources sector

Laura Helm, Director of Statutory Authorisations at Earth Resources Regulation, opened the AusIMM’s International Women’s Day luncheon on Friday 12 March.

Laura Helm, Director of Statutory Authorisations at Earth Resources Regulation, opened the AusIMM’s International Women’s Day luncheon on Friday 12 March.

Laura spoke of the importance of social equality, its economic benefits and the challenges she overcome while raising a family and working fulltime.

During her address, Laura also highlighted the importance of initiatives supporting women to grow in their careers, in the way that they want to, without barriers.

The AusIMM and the Victorian Government share a commitment to support female participation and advancement within the resources workforce through the Women on Boards Scholarship program.

Now in its second year, the scholarships aim to boost the number of women with technical knowledge sitting on resources sector boards and contributing to company decision-making.

“Diversity is an incredible asset to any decision-making group, as different people thinking differently means that questions can be asked that would never be thought of if everyone thought the same.”

Laura said the scholarships will make it easier for boards to have diversity, by making the pool of candidates with the relevant skills larger.

“With a boom in minerals exploration, record high-grade gold production at Victoria’s largest mine at Fosterville and the orderly restart of onshore conventional gas from July 2021, the opportunities for women across the sector are promising.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913