Lumen Winter 2013 - Flipbook - Page 12
story by Connie Dutton
They say you can take the girl out of
the country, but for Madeleine Iles,
completing a Bachelor of Mining
Engineering at the University of
Adelaide has seen her land 昀椀rmly on
her feet in the resources industry,
right back in rural Australia.
Engineering a career
in the outback
M
adeleine is undertaking a
graduate program with BHP
Billiton Iron Ore, working as a
mining engineer in the Pilbara region of
Western Australia, and says she honestly
loves her job.
It was chance rather than family
tradition that led Madeleine down her
chosen career path, being among the
first generation of her family, along with
her brother, to choose a career in the
resources industry.
“I picked mining engineering based
on several factors: it sounded the most
interesting in terms of job prospects
and workplace, there would be jobs
available when I graduated, and there
was a distinct opportunity for travel both
interstate and internationally,” she said.
“My first field trip to Prominent Hill,
Olympic Dam and Whyalla was my first
real look into what my job would involve...
and I was hooked.
“For someone who, four years ago,
wouldn’t have been able to tell you what a
10 Lumen | Winter 2013
mining engineer did, I believe I have found
my ideal job,” she said.
When asked about her experience
working in a male-dominated industry,
Madeleine says she has never considered
herself to be in the minority or unsuited to
the job simply because she is female.
“There have been times when I have
felt perhaps that others underestimate
my ability to work hard or withstand the
conditions on a mine site. My method
of dealing with this is to take every
opportunity to work hard, learn quickly
and fit into the workplace well. People
soon realise that every book cannot be
judged by its cover,” she said.
Madeleine feels that the need for
sustainable development in rural mining
towns is an important issue affecting the
resources industry today.
“Towns should be developed to service
mining areas only if the development is for
the long term. This may involve investing
in local agriculture, training local people to
work in the mine or other associated jobs,
or providing long-term accommodation
and facilities for a rural hub,” she said.
Having grown up on a small hobby farm
in the Adelaide Hills, Madeleine considers
herself extremely fortunate to have been
raised in a rural area.
“My brothers and I were very lucky
to have enough animals, motorbikes,
paddock cars and space to endlessly
entertain ourselves. We hardly ever played
with video games or toys indoors, we were
outside as much as the weather allowed.
“Growing up in a rural area teaches you
the value of hard work and a sense of
responsibility, to be looking after something
other than yourself. I hope one day to give
my children the same upbringing.”
Above: Madeleine Iles
