Why recognition, resilience, and real conversations matter for Women in Mining

The Meaning Behind the Awards

Recognition in industries like mining and resources often takes the form of production targets, operational milestones, or years of service. But there’s another kind of recognition that tends to matter just as much: the quiet, hard-won acknowledgement of work that changes how people lead, collaborate, and innovate.

In my role producing industry events, I spend a lot of time speaking with the people behind the projects, technologies, and decisions that shape the mining sector. What stands out in those conversations isn’t just technical expertise, but the personal philosophies and values that drive people forward in tough, complex environments.

Two recent award winners, Evelyn Ng and Su Nee Tan, are excellent examples. Both were recognised for Technological Innovation through their state Women in Resources programs; Evelyn in WA and nationally in 2024, and Su Nee in NSW in 2025. And while the accolades are significant, it was their reflections on leadership, resilience, and the future of mining that left a lasting impression.

Navigating the complexity of mining & your professional reputation

For Evelyn Ng, Group Manager, Materials and Innovation at Callidus Group, it was the complexity of the industry that drew her to mining. “The opportunity to work across the globe and on-site in operations in complex, multidisciplinary environments is what drew me in,” she shared. It was the kind of work that required not just technical expertise but an ability to navigate different cultures, contexts, and expectations, and in doing so, she learned the value of adaptability, curiosity, and respect for diverse perspectives. “These are skills I now bring when leading cross-disciplinary teams and global collaborations.”

If there’s a through-line to Evelyn’s career, it’s relationships. “Your professional reputation is everything,” she told me. In industries as tightly networked as mining and resources, the way you treat people, the trust you build, and the outcomes you deliver matter long after a project’s been signed off. “Relationships matter – aim for win-win outcomes and connect with everyone. It always pays back.” It’s a simple philosophy, but one that underpins the kind of leadership mining needs: integrity-led, people-centred, and grounded in long-term outcomes over short-term wins.

When I asked her what excites her about the industry now, her answer was candid. “Australia is a resource powerhouse. We have what it takes to lead globally but we need to back ourselves by thinking bigger and competing hard on the global stage.” It’s a challenge to the industry to lift its gaze beyond local wins and operational survival, and consider how it wants to be positioned in a world increasingly shaped by technology, energy transition, and geopolitical competition. “This mindset shift is exciting,” Evelyn said, “and it creates opportunities for all of us to shape the industry’s future.”

The award she received meant something personal too, though not in the way you might expect. “It is an honour to be recognised at both state and national levels for innovation,” she said, but what mattered more was what it represented: the chance to show what’s possible. “For me, the real reward is transforming ideas into successful outcomes to drive progress for our industry, and showing others, especially my daughter, what’s possible.”

Resilient Leadership: Innovate, adapt, collaborate

Su Nee Tan is a Senior Manager and Research Fellow at Orica. Her path into mining was fuelled by a fascination for how science and technology can transform industries and improve lives. “Growing up, I always had a keen interest in exploring the intricate processes behind mining operations,” she shared. Over time, what began as technical curiosity deepened into a broader understanding of the sector’s complexity and social impact. “I’ve come to appreciate the complexity and impact of mining. Not just in terms of resources, but in how we innovate, collaborate, and adapt.”

Her approach to leadership mirrors that belief. “Working with diverse, talented teams at Orica has taught me that leadership is less about hierarchy and more about creating space for others to thrive.” It’s an idea that feels particularly relevant in mining, an industry still learning how to dismantle old leadership models built on authority and linear career paths. “I lead by listening, learning, and lifting others up, especially in environments where change is constant and innovation is essential.”

When asked about the lessons that have shaped her career, Su Nee spoke about resilience in the face of change. “One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that change opens doors to new possibilities.” It’s a mindset that’s served her well in a sector known for its volatility. “In my career, I've faced numerous challenges that tested my resilience, and each one taught me the importance of embracing change with curiosity and optimism.” That attitude, to approach challenges as opportunities to rethink and reframe, has become a foundation for both her technical work and her leadership.

What excites Su Nee most about the future of mining is the growing conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion as a driver of innovation. “The conversations we're having now, about how to build more inclusive teams, how to support women in leadership, and how to challenge resistance to DEI, are reshaping the culture of mining.” She called out the value of spaces like the Women in Mining Summit 2025, describing them as platforms that foster a sense of community and progress. “I’m proud to be part of that movement.”

For Su Nee, the award she received was a deeply meaningful acknowledgement of collective effort. “Receiving the NSW Women in Mining Award for Technological Innovation was incredibly humbling, alongside the other amazing, resourceful women in the various categories.” More than a personal milestone, it was an affirmation of her team’s work and a broader signal that the industry is beginning to celebrate different voices. “It also reaffirmed my belief that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of innovation.”

Success in mining is rarely a solo act

What struck me about both Evelyn and Su Nee’s stories wasn’t how different they were, but the quiet, consistent thread that ran through them: that success in mining is rarely a solo act. Both women spoke less about personal triumph and more about teams, about lifting others up, about building trust and approaching change with optimism.

Neither framed their awards as endpoints, but as markers along a much longer road. Evelyn talked about showing her daughter what’s possible. Su Nee reflected on what it meant to stand beside other women doing exceptional work. In a sector where so much recognition still centres on production metrics and operational wins, it’s worth pausing on what these moments represent.

Because long after the trophies are boxed away, it’s this kind of work, the work grounded in people, values, and the belief that mining can and should evolve, that tends to get remembered.

Join Evelyn, Su Nee, and a lineup of industry leaders at the Women in Mining Summit this 26–28 August in Brisbane. Be part of the conversations driving change in mining.

View the full program, secure your place and download the brochure here.