Glencore Copper General Manager Metallurgical Processing and mother of four Virginia Lawson is one of nine Australian women named in the WIM100 list honouring inspirational women in mining worldwide.
Brisbane-based Ms Lawson is described as being highly respected in the field of mineral processing, including for championing new technology.
The citation noted, ‘her enthusiasm, technical capability and hard work has been instrumental in shifting industry opinion on flotation technology.’
Ms Lawson set a precedent while at Mount Isa as the first mother to return to an operational role on a part-time basis.
She is credited with playing a crucial role in developing policies and procedures for women returning to the workforce and was a key contributor to the launch of Glencore Australia’s internal diversity and inclusion program.
“I am proud of the combination of projects I have designed, constructed and operated, as well as the people I have mentored and developed along the way,” Ms Lawson said. “And I am proud of doing this alongside raising four children.”
Related: Read the full list here
Associate Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox from The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) has also been named among the WIM100 cohort this year.
Associate Professor Parbhakar-Fox is the founding leader of the Mine Waste Transformation through Characterisation (MIWATCH) research group at SMI’s WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre.
She is also Deputy Director of the ARC Training Centre for Critical Resources for the Future, a collaboration with the University of Western Australia, Australia National University and the University of Adelaide.
Stanmore Resources Business Improvement Principal Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths has also been honoured, along with BHP Global Head of Indigenous and Local Procurement Jessica Simpson.
Compiled by Women in Mining UK, the WIM100 publication celebrates 100 women from around the world whose impactful contributions have strengthened and made the resources industry more inclusive and sustainable.