First woman mine digger operator wins NT award

Operator and Emergency Response Team vice-captain Leigh Mott was named winner of the Outstanding Tradeswomen, Operator or Trainee category at the awards dinner in Darwin on the weekend.

Raised on a farm at Bollon and operating machinery most of her life, Leigh joined MRM in 2011 because the opportunity to work on “the big machines” at the mine site was too tempting to refuse.

She has worked her way through the ranks, becoming the mine’s first woman to operate a digger.

Her work as part of the Emergency Response Team has allowed her to shine among her peers, rising to the position of vice captain and giving her the opportunity to give back to the community.

The Women in Resources Awards celebrate the achievements of women, men and companies who make outstanding contributions toward a more diverse workforce.

MRM general manager Sam Strohmayr said he was proud of the company’s record of creating opportunities for women.

“Leigh is an inspiration to both men and women at MRM,” Sam said.

“She puts 100 per cent into everything she does and will be a great ambassador for the Territory at the national awards in Launceston in August.”

McArthur River Mine is located in the NT about 60km south-west of Borroloola.

MRM mines one of the world’s largest zinc and lead deposits.

Established as an underground operation in 1995, MRM converted to open pit mining in 2006. MRM produces zinc and lead in concentrates which are primarily exported through Bing Bong loading facility on the southern coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The current mine life extends to 2036.

The mine provides direct employment to about 600 people, including contractors.

In 2016, the owner Glencore spent $61 million on wages, $238 million on goods and services – much of which was sourced locally – and $1.3 million on community investment projects.

For more information, visit www.mccarthurrivermine.com.au