PRESS RELEASE: Online campaign launched to celebrate the changing face of mining.

Women are reaching new heights in the mining industry.

The stereotypically male industry is seeing women excel, fronting innovation and change.

Podiatrist turned successful entrepreneur, Penny Crawford, has launched an online campaign called ‘In Her Boots’ to celebrate women in mining.

“Stereotypically, women are underrepresented in the mining industry, and we felt it was important to start a conversation around the changing face of mining and the women behind it,” she said.

Working as a podiatrist in regional NSW for 27 years, Penny saw underground miners with a number of lower limb injuries – stemming mostly from ill-fitting boots.

Looking for a footwear solution, she created the Crawford Boots. What makes them unique is a special insert that slots into a pocket on the front of the boot, locking the foot in place to ensure a tailored fit. This won her the NSW Minerals Council HSEC Health Innovation Award.

“These boots aren’t just about increasing comfort for underground miners. They are designed to prevent injury and mitigate risk in a way that typical gumboots can’t,” Penny said.

“Mines that have trialled and endorsed the boots are proactive in seeking ways to reduce workplace injury, and boost morale. It’s one of the reasons why I enjoy working with them. They are forward-thinking, and open to innovative solutions that help their workforce.”

Women across Australia have gotten involved with the ‘In Her Boots’ campaign, including 22-year-old Georgia Foley.

The Underground Electrician at Whitehaven Narrabri Coal Operations already has two industry awards tucked under her belt.

“I have no trouble with doing ‘what all the men can do’ and that’s part of why I love it. [It’s] challenging and [it’s] hard but that makes it so much better and more interesting. It’s a great feeling to prove them wrong and show that I can do a [man’s] job’ just as well as they can,” she said.

“I highly recommend to other woman with an interest in completing a trade or even becoming an operator to go for it.”

Single mother Anne-Marie Hawkins began mine work ten years ago. The job offered more flexibility to spend time with her daughter and a better lifestyle.

“In my previous position, I was working six days a week – which left no quality family time,” she said.

“Working in mining has been a really good opportunity for me and my family. The industry is forward thinking and accepting, it is great to see more female participation whether it be on the tools or in the office. I think women being more involved is good for women and the industry – women have a way of thinking in a more practical problem solving capacity.”