Innovation STEMs from women on industry boards

Science savvy women can help drive the resources industry to new heights with the support of a targeted program aimed at boosting female participation on boards.

Science savvy women can help drive the resources industry to new heights with the support of a targeted program aimed at boosting female participation on boards.

The third round of the AusIMM Women on Boards Scholarship program aims to increase the number of women with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge who are sitting on mining and resources boards.

The program is part of the Prospects Partnership between the Victorian Government and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the peak body representing resources sector professionals.

The Prospects Partnership focuses on retaining women with science and technical backgrounds in the resources sector. The initiative is part of State of Discovery, Victoria’s Minerals Resources Strategy, released in 2018.

With a boom in minerals exploration, record high-grade gold production at Victoria’s largest mine at Fosterville and Victoria's innovative METS sector the leadership opportunities for women across the resources sector are even more promising.

Minerals exploration expenditure, a measure of industry confidence and a precursor to future investment, is at a record high, increasing 136 per cent from 2018-19. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Victorian minerals activity shows no sign of slowing.

Mineral exploration expenditure in Victoria for the March quarter 2021 was $51.4 million. This is greater than a 20 per cent increase on the previous quarter, well out-pacing the national growth rate of 13.75 per cent. Year-on-year minerals exploration spending in Victoria grew by almost 44 per cent.

More information about the scholarship program and how to apply is available from ausimm.com. Applications close 30 July 2021.

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913