2021 NSW Women in Mining Awards - Winners announcement
02 July 2021
A mining engineer who has broken new ground with almost every role in her career has been named the Exceptional Women in NSW Mining for 2021.
Erin Lee, Regional Manager for Southern Mines Rescue at Coal Services, has been recognised for her career achievements and for shattering misconceptions about the roles women can undertake in the mining industry along the way.
Erin was the first woman in Illawarra Coal’s 53-year history to take on the statutory role of shift undermanager in 2015. Four years later, she became one of the first two women in NSW to hold a practising certificate as an underground coal mining engineering manager. Erin is also the first woman to be appointed to a non-administrative role at NSW Mines Rescue.
The 2021 NSW Women in Mining Awards winners are being announced today after last week’s awards ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.
NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women The Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC is a big supporter of these awards and congratulated the winners in six categories.
“These awards are a fantastic way of highlighting the efforts and achievements of women in mining. Shining a light on these incredible role models also shows young women and girls that there is so much potential for them in this industry,” Mrs Taylor said.
Other winners included BHP’s Phoebe Thomas who led the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Hunter Valley in 2020 and has been awarded NSW Exceptional Young Woman in Mining.
Innovation and technology in mining has been highlighted by the achievements of Aga Blana, Owner and Managing Director of Nautitech Mining Systems, who has been awarded for developing the first controllable Intrinsically Safe light for underground coal mining.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee congratulated all of the winners and finalists.
“There are many incredible women in our NSW mining industry and today we celebrate the achievements of exceptional women in a range of fields,” Mr Galilee said.
“From technology and innovation to engineering and trades, as well as women in operational roles and running businesses, our award winners highlight the opportunities for women in mining, and showcase the career paths available to women in our sector.
“These women have achieved so much in their careers. And they’ve demonstrated in their own efforts a commitment to diversity, encouraging women to enter the mining industry, driving company policies that promote women’s employment, and mentoring others to help develop the next generation in a more inclusive sector.”
The winners in six award categories will be entered into the Women in Resources National Awards and the NSW Minerals Council intends to hold a dinner later this year to celebrate the winners of the 2020 and 2021 NSW Women in Mining Awards.
2021 NSW Women in Mining Awards Winners
Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance
Port Waratah Coal Services - Port Waratah Coal Services
Exceptional Woman
Erin Lee - Regional Manager Southern Mines Rescue - Coal Services
Exceptional Young Woman
Phoebe Thomas - Principal Business Performance - BHP
Gender Diversity Champion
Barbara Crossley - Managing Director - Umwelt
Outstanding Trade, Operator or Technician
Hannah Berthold - The Bloomfield Group
Technical Innovation Award
Aga Blana - Managing Director - Nautitech Mining Systems
Media Enquiries
Callum Fountain | NSW Minerals Council | cfountain@nswmining.com.au | 0409 758 734