MEC Mining concentrates on forging the best team.

Maria Joyce, General Manager at MEC Mining, is heeding the call for more to be done to open up the resources industry to women in Australia after a recent report by The Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) noted a decrease in the number of women in mining for the first time in five years.

It’s a trend that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Maria.

“It is important as an industry that we continue to provide opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds irrespective of gender or ethnicity. As Australians we enjoy a high degree of diversity across some of the best mining education institutions and sites in the world. We need to take advantage of this.” says Maria.

Last year the Queensland Government sponsored the formation of a mentoring program in response to the need for more to be done to support women in the resources sector. This program was developed and facilitated by Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) and Maria has thrown herself behind the initiative.

“I fell into mining engineering almost by accident when I took an elective subject in mining whilst studying civil engineering at The University of Queensland. I was instantly hooked, and to the surprise of my family and friends I changed direction, embarking on a career as a mining engineer instead. That’s why I can relate to AMMA’s call for a more open and proactive dialogue about the opportunities available to women in the resources industry.

I am delighted to have been selected to formally mentor women in mining through WIMARQ’s fantastic initiative. It is a program I would definitely have benefited from in my early career. Fortunately for me, I had male leaders who took me under their wing and encourage me to grab every opportunity I could, and to dust myself off whenever I was thrown a huge challenge. ”

MEC Mining continues to lead the industry not only in its appointment of women to senior roles, but also in its diverse workforce. The organisation already boasts a highly diverse staff, with women in many senior roles within the company.

“As an international company, with permanent offices in Brisbane and Chile, as well as a presence throughout Australia, we need highly qualified employees that our clients can trust. Our skilled and experienced team is something we are particularly proud of.” Says Daniel Chippendale, Director at MEC Mining. “MEC’s team consists of many industry leaders. Our clients trust us to find the best person for the job, and we deliver on that promise.”

It is this very team from which Maria draws her inspiration in her everyday business at MEC Mining.  “I am proud to work with every person at MEC and am honored to be part of a company that continues to disprove the few remaining stereotypes in the mining industry. It helps to solidify the view that Australia’s mining and resources sector is worth serious consideration by women contemplating their career options.” She says.

MEC Mining has kicked off a leadership program for undergraduate women embarking on a career in the mining industry. The program will aim to provide women with the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a mining engineer on site, all the way through to general management at a leading mining consultancy. To register your interest in this program, or to find out more about MEC Mining, visit their new and improved website at www.mecmining.com. To find out more about the WIMARQ mentorship program please visit www.womeninminingqueensland.com