International Women’s Day: What 4 Women in Mining Recruitment Want the Next Generation to Know

Four women in mining recruitment share what surprised them, what kept them going, and what they’d tell their 18-year-old selves about building a career in Australian mining.

Women in Australian mining have come a long way.

Especially over the last 40 years. Back then, mine owners could be fined for allowing women to work underground. 

Today, women aren’t just working in mining, they’re shaping the way the industry hires, manages, and grows its workforce. 

For International Women’s Day 2026, we spoke with four women from our mining recruitment team about confidence, resilience, ambition, and what they wish they’d known at 18.

Their reflections might surprise you, even inspire you.

The Women of MPI Recruitment

Meet Ellie, Kate, Alannah, and Gabby.

Ellie's background lies in open pit and blue-collar mining. You'll find her leading her team in what's an incredibly fast-paced environment. Kate brings her deep understanding of geology, machinery, and operations with her to work each day.  

Alannah recruits for a variety of positions in our underground mining division, and Gabby works on all the positions that happen above surface. 

Together, these four women embody the confidence, resilience, and ambition that keep Australia’s mining workforce moving forward.

What do all these traits look like in practice?

Let's find out.

Finding Your Way Into Australia's Mining Industry

Everyone’s path into mining recruitment is different. Most of the time, it's unplanned and unexpected. 

Ellie: “In my early twenties, I was working in retail and struggling to find a marketing/PR role, despite having a degree. A friend recommended recruitment, so I applied for an entry-level role. I landed my first position on an open pit mining desk. Six years later, I’ve grown into a lead role at MPI, and I love connecting with people and playing a part in their career journeys."

Kate: “My fascination with rocks and minerals started as a child. It led me to study geology and work hands-on as a pit technician and exploration assistant. Then life threw some curveballs. I stepped away to raise my children, later returning to mining in the Hunter Valley. Recruitment turned out to be a natural fit, allowing me to draw on my industry experience while helping others find rewarding careers in Australian mining.”

Alannah: “I started in science, working as a QC chemist, but realised I felt most fulfilled when I was helping people. After a few people-facing roles, I was drawn to recruitment and MPI. Their focus on my transferable skills and support made it clear I could grow without feeling I had to immediately prove myself. There was room to grow, rather than it feeling like a fight for survival. I’m so glad I went for it.”

Gabby: “I was travelling between Bali and the Gili Islands when I got talking to a recruiter who told me about the buzz she got from helping people. At the time, I wasn’t enjoying my marketing role and felt boxed in without much room to grow. When I returned to Australia, I started exploring recruitment and that’s how I found my way to MPI.”

For all of them, it wasn’t a straight line. It was a mix of curiosity, opportunity, and a willingness to try something new that brought them here.

What Surprised Them About Mining Recruitment

No one walks into mining recruitment knowing what to expect. The pace is electric. The stakes are high. It has a habit of teaching you things about yourself that you didn’t anticipate. It's not as simple as matching resumes with jobs. It’s about handling pressure, personalities, and life-changing decisions.

Ellie: "What surprised me most was the resilience this role demands. Recruitment builds thick skin. I remember flying to site without any notice to tell workers their mine was closing. That was tough. Character-building. I’ve learned not to take things personally, but empathy is essential. You have to care, while trusting your gut that you’re doing the right thing."

Kate: "It’s the drive to keep improving that excites me. I work with so many ambitious people. It’s inspiring. Sometimes, that ambition tips into trying to rush ahead. Wanting to get better is fantastic, but there’s value in pausing and assessing where you are. To me, progression comes with experience, not just meeting a quota or a KPI to balance things out."

Alannah: "It's how relationship-focused recruitment is. I'm stepping into an important stage of someone’s life, and that responsibility means it can’t be transactional. Finding or changing jobs can be a stressful time in somebody’s life, so it’s important I understand them. Even when it’s hard, I have to tell someone when a role isn’t right for them. The variety and constant learning are what keep me here."

Gabby: "The biggest surprise was how resilient I needed to be, especially early on. Recruitment gives you thicker skin. You’re dealing with people, pressure, and sometimes frustration. I’ve learned not to take things personally, but to step into someone else’s shoes and understand what’s really driving their reaction. I still want to help them get through these issues, and I believe that has helped shape who I am."

All of them discovered strengths they didn’t know they had. They also gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the people working across Australia’s mining sites.

Why Do They Stay

Careers in mining can shift overnight. Projects ramp up. Works come to a close. In the middle of it all? Recruiters help mining professionals and employers manage what comes next. So, what makes someone stay in mining recruitment long term?

Ellie: "There are two parts. Firstly, connecting people with opportunities is rewarding. To play a small part in their journey is meaningful. Secondly, it’s the opportunity to lead and pass my knowledge on to others. That’s fulfilling, even heartwarming to do. It’s a great feeling to take somebody under your wing and see them succeed. I’ve been fortunate to do this with several people in my team."

Kate: "Recruitment toughens you up quickly. I no longer stress about how far I have to go. I focus on how far I’ve come. That mindset keeps me moving. I love mining inside out, so I’m always transparent about the realities of a role, not selling pipe dreams. Being named 2024 Recruitment Consultant of the Year and recognised for Best Candidate Experience by Recruiter Insider makes the hard work feel worth it."

Alannah: "For me, it’s the personal development. I started with no experience, but instead of feeling judged, I found people who were excited to train and back me. Being promoted within six months showed me that hard work is seen and trusted. I’m constantly learning and growing, and I can’t see a ceiling."

Gabby: "The positive vibes in my team. Everyone’s so supportive. The pace is fast, but it keeps me on my toes. Every day's different, and most days there’s a surprise or something new to learn. There are times when the work can be challenging, like when I have to tell people they’ve not been successful or I have difficult issues to deal with onsite. It’s never nice having those conversations, but it builds character and resilience. The more I do this job, the stronger and better I feel it makes me."

Recruitment is fast. It’s demanding, and it’s unpredictable. But it’s purposeful, and it helps you grow. That’s what makes it worth staying for.

Advice to My 18-Year-Old Self

If you could sit down with your 18-year-old self, before the setbacks, before the wins, what would you say? For women considering industries like mining or recruitment, the advice isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about backing yourself before anyone else does...

Ellie: "Just go for it. Never limit yourself. There are so many opportunities for you out there. Network and build connections with people and you’ll be rewarded."

Kate: "Celebrate the wins, whether they’re big or small. It’ll allow you to celebrate how far you’ve come and where you’ve come from. Work hard, put the effort in. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being consistent in everything you do. "

Alannah: "I’d say that you don’t have to have everything figured out. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Have the confidence to choose growth over comfort, pick the option that stretches you, not the one that feels safe."

Gabby: "One piece of advice? I’d tell myself I’m on the right path. To keep going and keep gaining exposure. Keep improving my people skills. Confidence comes and goes with anyone, but I’d tell myself that things will eventually fall into place."

Celebrate the small wins. Be consistent. Build connections. Confidence will rise and fall, but progress comes from showing up. And maybe the most comforting of all? You’re probably more on the right path than you think.

What Women Considering Mining Should Know Today

For any woman considering a future in mining, this industry is bigger and more welcoming than many think. Don’t shrink yourself to fit old perceptions. Back your skills, your knowledge, and your attitude. You’re not there to fill a quota. You’re there because you’re more than capable.

Ellie: "It’s great to see the industry changing with more female leaders out there. There are certainly more pathways than there were a few years ago. Mining is a great place for women to find mentors. Which creates opportunities for more women to develop their leadership by mentoring others. Never underestimate your contribution in this industry."

Kate: "Be educated and smart about your decisions. Do a good job, continue pushing yourself, and fit in because you do. You’re wanted for your skills, experience, ambition and knowledge. Nothing should override these. You’re a good fit for somebody’s team, so believe in yourself and go for it."

Alannah: "The best piece of advice I can share with anyone is that you don’t have to have all the experience to begin somewhere. Know that you’re relevant anywhere. If you have ambition and you can apply yourself, that’s what matters most. You can learn new things, apply them, and succeed if you put your mind to it. Take ownership, be confident, and just do it."

Gabby: "Mining is a much safer and welcoming environment than it was 5-10 years ago. Especially for women. Never be afraid to ask for help. You’ll always get support if you ask for it. If you think you can do something, go and do it. Don’t limit yourself. Don’t talk yourself out of doing something you want to do."

Mining now offers more pathways, stronger mentors, and more visible female leaders than before. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Back your skills, ask for support, take ownership, and don’t talk yourself out of opportunities. You belong here because of what you bring. 

Final thoughts 

This International Women's Day, we celebrate Ellie, Kate, Alannah and Gabby and all the women shaping Australia’s mining industry through skill, grit, and determination.

However, this recognition shouldn’t just apply to one day in our calendars. The progress, the leadership, and the impact women make in mining deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated every single day.

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate or get involved, check out International Women’s Day events near me to see what’s happening locally. 

Head here for the latest female participation in Australian mining statistics

Looking for your next step in mining? Connect with us and stay in the loop with roles that match your experience and ambition.

 

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