From Classroom to Mine Site: Jasmine Gill’s Experience with the Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship
The Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship plays a pivotal role in empowering young women in STEM to embark on a career in the resources industry, offering transformative opportunities for professional and personal development.
To provide insight into the impact of this annual scholarship, we recently spoke with Jasmine Gill, the 2024 scholarship recipient and a third-year Industrial and Systems Engineering student at Curtin University in Perth. Jasmine’s experiences through the scholarship have been remarkably enriching, offering her unique insights and opportunities in the mining sector.
One of the most significant highlights of Jasmine's scholarship journey was the FIFO experience Epiroc provided to an active mine site.
"In January myself and two other Epiroc interns had the opportunity to visit the Roy Hill mine site," Jasmine shared. "We started our journey at the Remote Operation Centre (ROC) in Perth, where I was astonished by the control room’s ability to operate autonomous trucks, and drill rigs from 1,200 km away. This high-tech setup exhibited the advancement of mining technology and left me eager to see the driver-less trucks in action."
Flying into site and staying overnight allowed Jasmine to fully immerse herself in the FIFO environment and gain a comprehensive understanding of mining operations. "Learning about these operations up close—from the initial drilling to the autonomous trucks collecting the ore, provided me with insights that a textbook could never offer," she added.
Jasmine also highlighted the exceptional support from the mine site employees, "the employees were exceptionally welcoming and very generous when sharing their expansive knowledge with us. We interacted with on-site workers operating heavy machinery such as watercarts, dozers, and diggers, gaining valuable insights into their roles and their importance to the whole process."
Meeting with the site’s engineering team offered Jasmine a deeper understanding of the diverse roles and tasks required to keep the operation running smoothly. “The commitment to the mine’s objectives and the priority placed on safety was clear during the visit,” she noted.
This hands-on experience proved invaluable in her development within the drilling manufacturing sector. “Gaining practical knowledge of the overall mining process was crucial for my role,” she continued. “This opportunity, offered by Epiroc and Roy Hill, stands out as the defining highlight of my engineering undergraduate career to date.”
Beyond the mine site experience, the scholarship provided Jasmine with invaluable networking opportunities. As the Women in Mining Ambassador, she was given the platform to share her perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the importance of supporting young professionals in the industry. During AusIMM’s International Women’s Day events, she engaged with industry professionals, including representatives from the MARS Program—a collaboration between the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), the Mental Health Commission, the Equal Opportunity Commission, and the Department of Communities. These face-to-face discussions allowed her to explore critical topics such as mine safety, mental health, and DEI.
Her work experience at Epiroc further enriched her understanding, as she spent time in various departments, including main engineering, automation, and parts and service. "The staff were very engaged, and I gained insights into different facets of the company, which broadened my understanding of how engineering solutions are applied in the field," Jasmine noted.
The financial support from the scholarship was another key benefit for Jasmine. She used the $2,000 Visa gift card to purchase essential tools for her studies, including a new laptop and textbooks, which have been crucial for her academic success.
A particularly inspiring moment for Jasmine was attending the AusIMM Awards, where she had the opportunity to see some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals being recognised. The event was a powerful reminder of the impact and importance of excellence in the resources sector. "Hearing Ivy Chen speak at the AusIMM Awards was incredibly inspiring," Jasmine reflected. "It gave me a deeper appreciation for the dedication required to excel in this field and reinforced my desire to pursue excellence in my own career."
Jasmine’s experience with the Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship showcases its significant impact and the valuable opportunities it offers. As AusIMM and Epiroc search for the 2025 recipient, this scholarship provides a unique chance for growth and development.