Innovation stems from sciences savvy women on boards

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) has announced the recipients of the second round of Women on Boards Scholarships.

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) has announced the recipients of the second round of Women on Boards Scholarships.

The scholarships aim to increase the number of women with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge sitting on boards within the resources sector.

The scholarship recipients:

• Laura Spelbrink, Innovation Labs Program Manager, FrontierSI
• Nerilee Rockman, V/President Legal, Environment & Supply Chain at AngloGold Ashanti Australia
• Amy Lamb, Head of Processing at MMG.

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 leadership opportunities for women across the sector are promising.

The September 2020 quarter saw a 31 per cent increase in year-on-year mineral exploration expenditure compared to the September 2019 quarter. Since September 2016, the average quarterly mineral exploration expenditure growth in Victoria has been 10 per cent— two times the average quarterly growth of the nation.

Research shows diverse boards result in better outcomes and greater innovation. While the number of women on boards within the resources sector is increasing, women with technical industry skills remain underrepresented.

The Women on Boards Scholarship program is a result of the Prospects Partnership, a collaboration between the Victorian Government and AusIMM focussed on retaining women with science and technical backgrounds in the resources sector.

Quote attributable to Laura Spelbrink, scholarship recipient:

“For many women, the path to senior leadership can be difficult to navigate and programs such as this equip participants with the skills, confidence and visibility to take a seat at the table.” 

Quote attributable to – Amy Lamb, scholarship recipient:

“Programs like this help increase company diversity and promote innovation and growth.” 

Quote attributable to – Nerilee Rockman, scholarship recipient:

“I am very grateful to the AusIMM and the Victorian Government for making such a scholarship available and deepening the pool of board-ready women, both in in the mining sector and more generally.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913