Winners of the 2014 Women in Mining Awards were announced during a recent gala ceremony celebrating the achievements of the recipients and finalists who have contributed so much to the industry and their community.

Thiess received the Outstanding Initiative Award for their progress in attracting more women to their organisation. In 2011, women only comprised 8% of the Thiess workforce, but the organisation has since become an industry leader in female employment, now on track to go beyond 20% women employees by 2020.

Thiess credited their success in gender diversity to an empowerment of women in the resource industry and by encouraging female participation in the workforce. The organisation says it has reached outcomes by launching Women’s Focus Groups, undertaking Site Audits, establishing a Oothungs (Women) in Mining Operator Training Program and is currently implementing flexible work arrangements.

Other winners included:

• Outstanding Woman Award – Cate Sims, Specialist Aboriginal Relations at Rio Tinto Coal and Allied
• Aspiring Star Award – Abbey Sheridan, Technical Services Vacation Student, Coal Assets Australia, Glencore
• Rising Star Award – Alice Sila, Mining Engineer, Peabody Energy

Further information about the awards and winners can be found here.