QRC Press Release, 20th September 2010
Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Michael Roche said he was delighted to hear that Jennifer Mackenzie, co-winner of the 2010 QRC Resources Award for Women had been appointed as the first female general manager of a BMA-owned mine.‘Jennifer is an outstanding young woman and a fantastic ambassador and role model, particularly for up and coming women in our sector,’ said Mr Roche.‘She is a shining example of what can be achieved and the fantastic opportunities available in our industry,’ he said.
‘Jen, who shared the 2010 QRC Resources Award for Women with Susan Denk, Chief Operating Officer for Unidel, will be guest speaker at the next QRC/Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) event in Townsville on 23 August.
‘She has invested much time and energy in encouraging young women in the industry.
‘While the current proportion of women in our sector at 14 percent is an improvement on 11 percent in 2006, we need to do more to attract and retain women to ensure we have the skilled people we need into the future. Women like Jen play a huge role in this.
‘I also congratulate BMA on its significant efforts in the attraction and retention of women in our sector.
‘BMA received a highly commended in our Resources Awards for Women this year for the employment of a dedicated women’s adviser.
‘BMA has also won many past awards and the winner of the inaugural awards in 2006 was BMA employee Tina Markovic.
‘Tina, who is now a Marketing Manager, Coking Coal for BHP Billiton in Singapore, was Queensland’s first ever female manager of a major mining operation when BMA appointed her Mine Manager, Poitrel Mine.
Poitrel Mine is owned by BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC).
For further information from the QRC contact Caroline Morrissey on 07 3316 2507 or 0417 770 893.
Media enquires for BMA should be directed to Eleanor Nichols on 0438 008 492 or email Eleanor.Nichols@BHPBilliton.com.