Followed by a panel discussion and a networking event called “Boots and Bubbles”, M&EWA’s Women in Mining event drew one of the exhibition’s largest crowds.

The charismatic general manager discussed the beginnings of her career as a metallurgist at Telfer mine, the 13 years she spent with Barrick Gold both in Tanzania and WA as well as her recent move to Fortescue Metals Group.

One of the most successful women in Australian mining, Shuttleworth shared her two key points for effective leadership – have a positive attitude and be authentic to your true self.

“I did try and change to fit in when I was much younger and turn myself into a rough, tough mining type but I realised that I didn’t have to do that,” she said.

“I think I have proved that you can be successful if you be yourself.”

But rather than focusing solely on business and management, Shuttleworth permeated her presentation with anecdotes about the community work she had participated in and the 90 countries she had travelled to, clearly displaying her passion for the industry and the various opportunities it presented.

“The fantastic rosters in mining have allowed me to do a lot of travelling in my time off and maintain a healthy work life balance,” she said.

The panel that followed Shuttleworth featured three women from a range of positions across the industry, sharing their own experiences and tips.

Stories of how the industry has changed, advice for living onsite, tips for getting into the industry and for maintaining relationships while working away were all topics discussed by the panel.