You just have to look at BHP's latest production report from its suite of world class Queensland coal mines.

 

Record annual production was achieved at BHP Mitsui Coal due to improved wash plant performance and increased yields at South Walker Creek and higher wash plant throughput at Poitrel following the purchase of the remaining 50% of Red Mountain processing facility.

 

The asset president for BMC is Elsabe Muller, who has worked on four continents across five different commodities.

 

She is also NSW Energy Coal Asset president, which includes the Mt Arthur thermal coal mine in the Hunter Valley.

 

Muller was instrumental in improving payment terms for local businesses after a period of engagement with suppliers, host communities and the federal government.

 

"We've heard concerns about the impact of our standard global payment terms on local businesses, and recognise there is more we can do to support our local communities," she said.

 

The Mt Arthur mine is also the focus of an innovative strategy by BHP provide higher calorific thermal coal to its Japanese and Korean customers and thus avoid the problem of selling dirtier coal to China that is more damaging to the environment.

 

These are just two examples of Australian coal operations that are forging ahead and achieving excellence and innovation under the expert guidance of a highly skilled woman executive.

 

Muller will be joining Minerals Council of Australia CEO Tania Constable at the Women in Mining and Resources Leadership Summit in Perth next month to help drive the business case for diversity and inclusion in Australia's resources sector.

 

The summit aims to discuss mentoring, education and inclusion to drive change for aspiring and established women leaders through business empowerment, leadership and career advancement.

 

"The minerals industry is working hard to support workforce inclusion with companies like BHP … showing the way on gender equality, closing the pay gap and supporting career advancement to senior executive roles," Constable said.

 

"Encouraging women to pursue and continue a career in mining is vital if we are to increase the number of STEM professionals in resources and build the minerals workforce of the future."

 

Hogsback reckons that if diversity is fostered in a structured and intelligent way it will reap dividends for the entire industry and create a new generation of women coal mining leaders.