We recently spoke to Gold Industry Group Gold Class Facilitator and AngloGold Ashanti Australia Senior Underground Geologist Breannen Conway about her lifelong passion for earth science and her journey in Australia’s gold industry.
Why did you join the industry?
I went to Monash University in Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Science focused on Geology and Zoology. Originally, I was planning on being a biologist/palaeontologist specialising in ancient life on earth. Once I got to my second year of university, I realised how much I loved all aspects of Geology and it became a huge passion of mine. I soon dropped Zoology and solely studied a double major and honours in Geoscience.
Because I was in Melbourne, I did not know much about the mining industry, or that a geologist could work in mining It wasn’t until my third year at university when two people from the mining industry gave a talk that I realised it was exactly where I wanted my career to go and I started saving up to move to Perth to start my career.
What does your day-to-day work involve and what is your favourite part of your role?
I am a Senior Underground Geologist in charge of a small team who ensure everything is running smoothly for the underground mine. We design grade control drilling for our underground reverse circulation drill rigs, run geostatistical gold models, map the ore drives for ore/waste contacts and monitor material movement underground on a day-by-day basis.
My favourite part of being a geologist is being involved in the mining cycle. I love going underground and being able to view the ore in the development drives and getting a holistic view of the gold deposit. I love that every day in mining is different and you never know what your day is going to be like.
To date, what has been the biggest learning curve or challenge for you?
My biggest challenge, especially early on in my career, was the lack of confidence I had in my own abilities as a geologist. Over the years, especially by having strong women in the industry who have been supporters in my career, I have gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities that I don’t see it as a challenge at all anymore.
There is also so much to learn in mining, and even after six years in the industry, I am still learning every day. I would encourage everyone to ask as many questions as they can, as there are no silly questions and it honestly helps you understand as much as possible.
I was recently also lucky enough to complete my Certificate 4 in Leadership and Management through the AngloGold Ashanti Australian Managerial Development Program. The Program was held over 18 months and was held both face to face and virtually due to COVID restrictions. At first, I found it challenging to get back into studying again, but I soon got used to it and it paid off. It was one of the best courses I have been involved in.
In celebration of International Women’s day, what makes the role of women in mining so important?
My first manager at AngloGold Ashanti Australia was an amazing woman who has had a stellar career in mining. She was my manager for the first three years of my career, my mentor and biggest supporter and has since become one of my best friends. Having someone to look up to early on in my career and to model myself on was the best start to my journey as a geologist that I could have asked for.
It is well-known that companies perform better with a diverse and inclusive team made up of people from all different backgrounds including gender, race, sexual orientation, religion etc. In my opinion, this is the best opportunity to have diverse ideas, out of the box thinking and a continual improvement mindset. I am a proud member of AngloGold Ashanti Australia Diversity and Inclusion committee, where we meet quarterly to discuss how to create positive change in the industry around inclusion.
Having women in STEM and mining also helps inspire the younger generation of female scientists. I am also a LGBTQ+ woman in mining and hoping to be an advocate and role model for the next generation of women or LGBTQ+ people in STEM who want to have a career in mining.
What advice would you give to young women who are thinking about following your path?
Throughout high school, I always knew I wanted to be a scientist but I had no idea where that path would take me. It wasn’t until I found geology and started studying it that I realised it was exactly the career path for me. If anyone is interested in being a geologist in the gold industry, I recommend that you find a university to study geology and learn as much science as you can!
Vacation work is a fantastic option for getting exposure to the industry while you are studying and is great for networking. Work on your resume, networking skills and interviewing skills so once you have graduated you are set up for success. WIMWA also have fantastic events for women in mining and is a great place to meet inspirational people who will support your career.
Why did you become a Gold Class Facilitator of the Gold Industry Group’s National Gold Education Program?
The reason I got into the mining industry was due to that one talk at university when I was already midway through my degree. I was lucky enough to have already been studying geology so I didn’t have to change paths in order to follow my new dream. If I can inspire one person early on in their life to get into mining (or even better- to be a geologist) then I will feel so fulfilled.
What do you do with your spare time?
Because I work FIFO, I am lucky enough to work one week on and one week off! This means I have lots of spare time to do all the things I love to do in Perth. I enjoy going to the gym, walking my dog, coffee with friends, watching anime and playing video games with my partner Jess.