Leading Mining and Energy Employers for Women
Discover mining and energy companies that champion women’s careers with exceptional employee benefits, policies, and opportunities.
The mining and energy sectors are leading the way in creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and thrive. WORK180 Endorsed Employers in these industries are particularly committed to fostering environments where women are valued and supported.
Explore how you can make your mark in these exciting fields, with employers who are truly invested in your career journey.
Top employers
Key Benefits & Policies
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Flexible work options
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Coaching and mentoring programs
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18 weeks paid parental leave at full salary
BHP is leading the way in transforming the resources industry, creating a workplace where women can thrive and make a real impact. Committed to gender balance by 2025, BHP has more than doubled female representation to over 35%, with women making up 40% of the workforce at their South Flank mine. Prioritizing flexibility, inclusion, and growth, BHP offers a supportive environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.
Key Benefits & Policies
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26 weeks paid parental leave for primary carer
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Access to their industry-leading wellness program
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Active committees driving diversity & inclusion
AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining leader with a strong presence in Australia, operating the Sunrise Dam and Tropicana mines. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, they create a workplace where everyone can thrive. With initiatives like Employee Resource Groups and expanded parental leave, AngloGold Ashanti fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, making it an excellent place for women to build successful careers in mining.
Key Benefits & Policies
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16% superannuation
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Flexible working arrangements
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Relocation support and remote area assistance
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6 months paid parental leave (either parent) with superannuation paid while on parental leave
Join Essential Energy and be part of a team that’s driving the future of energy across regional NSW and southern QLD. With a commitment to diversity, innovation, and your personal growth, Essential Energy offers a career where your voice is heard, your skills are valued, and your impact is felt. From flexible work arrangements to career development opportunities, this is your chance to help shape the future of energy while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance.
Key Benefits & Policies
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Coaching and mentoring opportunities
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50% women in senior leadership team
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Family-friendly rosters
IGO Limited offers an exciting opportunity for women seeking to enter the mining sector. With a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and career development, IGO creates a supportive work environment where women can thrive. The company values diversity and provides learning and development programs to help women advance their careers while contributing to a cleaner, greener future. Joining IGO means being part of a purpose-driven organization making a global impact through innovative energy solutions.
Career inspiration
Why not you? BHP’s commitment to an inclusive hiring process
Some might not know it, but BHP, one of Australia’s most well-known and successful companies, is also striving to be one of its most diverse and inclusive. As such, anyone considering employment at the mining major should do so with full confidence that their individuality will be valued and respected.
As for any application process, it pays to know what to expect and to have a few tips ready to help you overcome any anxieties or trepidation you might feel about making such a big change in your life.
How IGO has sponsored, supported, and seen to the success of this geology graduate
When Kate Woodall first traveled to Australia’s harsh north-west, she couldn’t have known she was about to discover something amazing.
It wasn’t something in the earth so much as something within herself: this was the moment she knew she was a geologist. That she was able to reach this lightbulb moment says a lot about her and also about the company that has supported her all the way.
IGO sponsored Kate’s studies and provided a flexible work environment for her to complete her undergraduate qualifications.
3 Ways BHP celebrates diversity and inclusion
There are so many creative and interesting ways workplaces are creating opportunities for people by celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
BHP is doing just that. By championing a variety of DEI initiatives, the company is promoting inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for people at work.
We spoke with longstanding BHP team member and Indigenous ambassador, Britt Madaferi, who’s been with the company for more than 12 years.
A fascinating peek into the life of a FIFO working parent
If you were a hairdresser considering your next career move, what would come to mind first?
If by chance, you thought of being a FIFO (fly in fly out) underground truck driver, then congratulations – you thought exactly as Danielle (Dani) Harvey did.
Okay, maybe this wasn’t your first thought. But if you’re reading this article, the idea of working in FIFO or mining must intrigue you a little. And if this is the case, Dani’s story offers some amazing insights.
Meet Courtney Nelson - Senior Training Specialist at Essential Energy
Before working for Essential Energy, Courtney was a traffic controller who assisted the local Essential Energy crews in their daily duties.
“I distinctly recall being captivated and deeply impressed by the work they executed on powerlines and power poles.”
“After a few months, I knew I NEEDED to be part of this. It’s such a vital and impactful profession.”
3 ways FIFO can be flexible (and where to find roles like this)
If you’re looking to work in, or are already working in, certain industry sectors, you will almost certainly have come across the concept of Fly-In-Fly-Out, often known as FIFO.
These arrangements, used as a means of employment generally in far-flung and/or difficult locations, can be taxing in family life and can impact on personal well-being.
Traditionally, FIFO roles are not noted for their flexibility.
Is your employer this flexible when life takes unexpected twists?
If your life took an unexpected turn, how flexible would your employer be about your working arrangements?
At AngloGold Ashanti (AGAA), flexible working means more than a four-day week or compressed hours. At AGAA they understand that life is unpredictable and that sometimes priorities shift.
AGAA looks at each employee’s situation on a case-by-case basis to find the best set-up that works for everyone – so you can fully meet your needs outside of work, while also being effective in your professional role.
Meet Jay Esson - Manager Engineering, Zone Substations at Essential Energy
Jay’s work contributes to keeping the lights on for the people and businesses in regional, rural, and remote NSW.
“It’s incredibly rewarding! I love working with clever, committed engineers while striking a balance between innovative and traditional technologies. We’re in the midst of a fast energy transition.”
She enjoys using her technical capabilities to problem solve, while also applying her people skills to develop her team of competent, capable engineers.
5 Facts about working in mining – that might surprise you!
If someone told you they worked in the mining industry, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s strong pay or onsite work. Or perhaps that it’s a male-dominated industry and there’s reduced work variety.
Let’s see if some of these stereotypes match up to reality.
Clair Brennan has worked in the mining industry for nearly two decades. She’s Manager, Services Contracts, and has been with AngloGold Ashanti Australia (AGAA) for an incredible 17 years!
Feeling the parent guilt at work? Find support at IGO
During Carolyn Hartmann’s six years at IGO, she has enjoyed a successful and exciting career as an electrical engineer working on a range of projects – from ground-up developments to helping innovate greener technology. In 2018 Carolyn welcomed her first child and she is currently living her best life on her second period of parental leave with her children – traveling around Australia in a caravan!
One of the biggest challenges Carolyn says she has faced in her career to date is that dreaded feeling of ‘parent guilt’ – often experienced by those who feel pulled between their home and work responsibilities.
A career in mining or energy can offer you:
- Career growth: Endorsed Employers within these industries are dedicated to supporting and advancing women’s careers through inclusive policies and leadership opportunities.
- High earning potential: With average salaries exceeding six figures, these sectors offer competitive financial rewards.
- Workplaces that value you: These companies are making real strides in fostering environments where women can thrive.
Mining and energy companies endorsed as employers for all women
Mining and energy companies endorsed as employers for all women
About WORK180
Inspired by their own experiences of workplace discrimination, Gemma Lloyd and Valeria Ignatieva founded the first transparent job board for women. Almost a decade later, WORK180 is a thriving community and platform where women and marginalized groups access the information they need to make informed career decisions — and find workplaces that work for them.
