Abby, Siri and Olivia pave the way at Illawara Metallurgical Coal

Three of our people from Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (IMC) are among the first women in New South Wales, Australia, to pass their Deputy’s Certificate of Competence exams.

Technician Olivia Krowka and Engineers Abby Moroney and Siri Schlebaum (pictured left to right), were among five women to recently pass their Deputy’s Certificate exams, meaning they are now qualified to lead underground crews and be responsible for statutory functions at IMC.

IMC Vice President Operations Peter Baker said, “We are incredibly proud of Abby, Siri and Olivia – they are all first class, highly-skilled employees and we are grateful to have their expertise at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.

“We want more women to pursue careers with South32 and Abby, Siri and Olivia’s achievements are an inspiration. I hope young women look at their career path and say to themselves ‘I want to follow in their footsteps’”.

Applicants for the Deputy’s Certificate must pass two exams and have a related tertiary qualification. They must also have at least three years of practical underground mining experience and a minimum of six months of supervisory experience. The pass rate for first-time applicants is around 40 per cent.

Abby, Siri and Olivia all studied Mining Engineering at the University of Wollongong and are members of South32 Mines Rescue Brigades, regularly participating in mine rescue competitions.