Meet Michaela Wright, who has just clocked up 20 years in mining!

The Superintendent Geology leads the Geoscience team at Olympic Dam who collect data through drilling and sampling to ascertain where the copper is.

Michaela says the mining landscape has changed a lot over the past two decades – for the better.

“When I started, I was one of only two women who went underground and some of the old-timers wouldn't even speak to me because they didn't believe it was my place to be there,” she said.

“There were no women’s facilities and you had to be one of the boys to fit in. Thanks to positive changes like flexible working, mining is now a more accessible and family-friendly industry and definitely a career women should consider.”

The 2023 BWISA International Women’s Day Leadership Award winner is passionate about driving change and encourages girls and women into STEM subjects and careers. 

In fact, she was handpicked to participate in the International Women in Resources Mentoring Programme (IWRMP) which kicked off last month, promoting and empowering women to progress their careers, overcome professional challenges and build confidence for achievement and industry leadership. Congratulations Michaela!