Adelaide-based BHP Olympic Dam superintendent aims to inspire women in resources
NIMA Sherpa hopes being named a finalist for a national award will help further her quest to inspire others to take up science and maths-based careers.
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NIMA Sherpa hopes being named a finalist for a national award will help further her quest to inspire others to take up science and maths-based careers.
The Norwood woman, who works as Superintendent — Production Analysis & Improvement at BHP’s Olympic Dam — is in the running for the Rio Tinto Women in Resources National Awards.
Ms Sherpa has spoken to high school and university students about her role, and is involved with several organisations that aim to encourage diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, including STEM Sistas and STEM Mistas.
“It’s about giving my life story and sharing with (students) that you can have a different path, and teaching them to take every opportunity they can get,” she says.
“They’re very inquisitive and challenging and you learn a lot from them as well.”
Ms Sherpa, 26, is a finalist in the Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources category of the awards, which will be announced at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday, September 13.
“I’m incredibly excited,” she says.
“It’s a great platform to increase women in resources, but also to include diversity, whether that’s in race, gender or diversity of thought — those are all important to me.”
Ms Sherpa, originally from Colorado, has been working on BHP’s Olympic Dam project since May last year.
She works in surface processing operations, which produces copper, uranium, gold and silver, overseeing about 25 people.
Ms Sherpa is among six women from across Australia in her category.
Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said more than 33,400 women worked in the sector last year, up from 8900 in 2001.
“Yet with only 16 per cent of Australia’s minerals workforce being women, it’s clear that there’s a big job ahead,” she said.
“Building the future minerals workforce means industry needs to increase focus on workforce diversity and inclusion, including gender diversity.”
The omen in Resources National Awards celebrate and recognise exceptional women and gender diversity champions who are inspiring others within and outside the sector.
This is the fifth year of the awards, which are a partnership between the Minerals Council of Australia and state-based energy and minerals organisations.