This edition ' s Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Laura Tyler ' s remarkable accomplishments , shattering glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated mining industry
This edition ' s Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Laura Tyler ' s remarkable accomplishments , shattering glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated mining industry
Few have had a career as varied as Laura Tyler , Chief Technical Officer at BHP . Having joined in 2005 , she has seen the company go through many transformations – be it ESG strategy or efforts towards inclusivity , Laura is at the frontline of a constantly evolving company .
Tyler was raised in Lancashire , a northern county in England , but currently resides in Adelaide , Australia . Although her mother left school at 15 to work on a farm , she remained determined that all three of her daughters attend university and achieve financial independence . After obtaining a master ' s degree in mining engineering , Tyler had an epiphany during her early thirties while working as a geologist in Mt Isa .
During a Christmas party , one of the employees ’ spouses expressed concern about the potential closure of the copper mine and how she would manage to provide for her children ' s education if that occurred . This experience highlighted for Tyler the importance of utilising science and engineering to prolong the lifespan of mine sites , which would ensure job security and food for employees and their families . Technology could also be leveraged to improve environmental protection .
In 2018 , after serving as BHP ' s chief geoscientist , she was given the role of president of Olympic Dam , where she was responsible for the safe and sustainable operation of one of the world ’ s most significant polymetallic orebodies producing copper , uranium , gold , and silver in remote South Australia .
In 2020 , Tyler transitioned to the newly established position of Chief Technical Officer in September . In this role , she oversees all critical technical aspects of the business , including technology , minerals exploration , and centres of excellence and improvement . As CTO , Laura is constantly asking the question of how mining industry leaders can work together to identify ways to encourage more skilled people in the front door .
It is part of her mission to get more people , “ not only in the front door , but in the back door , the side door , and lining up-and-down the street , enthused by the prospect of being a technical guru , solving big technical challenges , and doing something for the greater good ”.
A geologist herself , Tyler has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by female employees in the mining industry . She recalls times when uniforms were not designed to fit women
“ IN OUR NICKEL MINES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA , WE
HAVE PARTNERED WITH IDEON TECHNOLOGIES TO
USE LEADING-EDGE COSMIC RAY MUON DETECTORS ”
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