Sam Seib began working for MRM as a laboratory technician in 1997 and was awarded the Outstanding Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician category in the Women in Resources Awards at the end of last month in Darwin.

Ms Seib completed her carpentry apprenticeship while working at the mine and now supervises a team of seven tradesmen.

An impressive work history was not the only thing that set Ms Seib above the rest in her category. 

As an active member of her community, Ms Seib has been a supporter of fishing club competitions, Borroloola Show, Borroloola rodeo, emergency services and a range of local women’s events.

As part of her work and duties at MRM, Ms Seib became accustomed to catching and relocating problem snakes, a skill she was happy to provide to members of the community.

Ms Seib said the opening of MRM gave her the opportunity to have a career while still living in her home community in the remote Gulf of Carpentaria, but said working in a male-dominated industry was not always easy.

“When I first started, there were no other women in the department,” she said.

“There were few in mining and no other female tradespeople onsite.”

Ms Seib was one of four MRM finalists in the Northern Territory Women in Resources Awards.

The three other finalists from MRM came from diverse backgrounds and included environmental technician Casey Hucks, production supervisor Ann Waaka and acting human resources and training superintendent Carina Graham.

MRM General Manager Sam Strohmayr said he was proud of the company’s record of creating opportunities for women and particularly for residents in the local Borroloola community.

“Our female workforce balance is among the best in the industry,” Mr Strohmayr said.

“Sam is a great role model not only for other women but also for young people in Borroloola looking to have a career close to home.”

Ms Seib will represent the Northern Territory at the National Women in Resources Awards. Winners will be announced in Sydney in September.