The mine has won the inaugural Resources Award for Women–Best Company Initiative awarded by the Queensland Resources Council and presented today at the QRC’s International Women’s Day Breakfast in Brisbane.

“A key component of the company’s recruitment strategy for the mine was a focus on women, particularly in non-traditional roles,” QRC chief executive Michael Roche said.

“The strategy of employing significant numbers of women in the workforce has enabled Hail Creek Mine to increase the level of skilled employees living within the local community, with the added advantage of reducing pressure on the local housing market.

“The company is also committed to retaining women once employed within the organisation, encouraging them to participate in leadership training and other training and studies.

“Currently women in non-traditional roles make up just 6 percent of our members’ combined workforce and members recognise that this must improve, especially in the light of skills shortages facing the industry.”