High achievers recognised at CME awards

BHP Billition Area C mine manager Kate Sommerville and Alcoa maintenance group leader Kym Jones have taken out the top honours at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy's Women in Resources awards.

Ms Sommerville was named 2011 Women in Resources champion, while Ms Jones won the Outstanding Woman in Resources - trade/operator/technician category.

Over an 18-year career in the sector, Ms Sommerville has risen through the ranks to become BHP Bilition Iron Ore's first female mine manager.

"Whether in public forums or at company level, Kate is a passionate advocate for equality and diversity in the workplace," CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said.

"All finalists are strong leaders and excellent role-models for young women considering a career in the WA resource sector."

Mandurah resident Ms Jones was originally employed in the banking sector, before pursuing a career at Alcoa.

She now has 30 employees that report directly to her.

"I had always wanted to work outdoors and played a variety of team sports at a high level most of my life, so the opportunity to do physical labour and keep fit while learning new skills was too good to be true," Ms Jones said.

"With Alcoa just down the road from home it seemed right. After being on the tools as an Alcoa trades assistant for 13 years, I felt I had achieved as much as I could in terms of skills and knowledge but I wanted to improve myself and progress.

"I did an 18 month frontline management course and learned how to manage and lead people.

"I was the first shop-floor employee to achieve this - it's about determination, setting yourself challenges and goals and not giving up."