HILLS resident Julie Shuttleworth was one of 15 inductees into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame this year.
The mining general manager was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the state’s resources sector, having started in the industry as a graduate metallurgist and progressing to various roles before becoming general manager at age 35.
Ms Shuttleworth said she was very happy to receive the accolade and hoped to inspire others.
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READ NOW“It’s great that my contributions to the resources sector and mentoring others was recognised at state level, alongside high achieving women leaders from other sectors,” she said.
“My career in the mining industry has been very interesting, exciting and rewarding.
“I’ve worked hard, delivered results for the business, had confidence in myself and a positive outlook, and these attributes have helped through my career.”
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Having enjoyed science at high school, she studied a double major in extractive metallurgy and chemistry at university.
Her university holidays were spent working at mine sites and after becoming a graduate metallurgist, she later took on other roles including senior metallurgist and process plant manager.
Developing a mine in Tanzania was a career highlight for Ms Shuttleworth, who was involved from the feasibility study to construction and operation, becoming general manager.
She was also named WA Business Woman of the Year in 2012.
In her current role, she said she enjoyed having a lot of responsibility for the safe, productive and cost effective operation of the whole mine site, including about 2000 people.
“I really enjoy that in my role I can have a really positive impact on so many people, including a safe, positive work culture and their career development,” she said.
“I’ve really enjoyed the technical and leadership aspects of my roles, and the opportunity to work overseas, travel and have fun on my days off, for example I have travelled to over 100 countries for work and recreation.”
Ms Shuttleworth described the mining industry as very rewarding for women with many career opportunities and a great lifestyle.
“I’ve never felt disadvantaged or discouraged being a woman in the mining industry,” she said.
“Definitely I encourage other women to be part of the mining industry; there are many exciting and rewarding careers available.”
Her tips for women seeking to further their careers in mining included leading by example and being approachable, not changing to fit in, being confident and positive in communication and presentation, setting goals and making the effort to get a good lifestyle balance.