Congratulations to Sonia Winter, Head of Global Resource Engineering Excellence; Jessica Balasso, Head of Technology Olympic Dam; Ana Bran, Head of Minerals Americas Maintenance Centre of Excellence; Vandita Pant, Chief Commercial Officer; and Eliana Calderon General Manager Plants Spence, who have been named in the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining, by Women in Mining UK (WIM UK).  

Published every two years, WIM UK produces the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (WIM100), a volunteer, not-profit, publication that celebrates the contribution of 100 of the most inspirational women in mining in the world, across all roles, seniority and jurisdictions. 

The 100 women featured were selected due to their inspiring contribution towards a stronger, safer and more sustainable mining industry. This includes making positive and impactful changes, advocacy and a desire to empower others, perseverance in the face of adversity, and an ability to find solutions to challenges. 

In 2016, BHP was the first resources company to set an aspirational goal for gender balance by 2025. Then, our workforce was around 17 per cent women, and today we’re sitting at more than 33 per cent. 

Eliana Calderon, General Manager Plants Spence, said she’s honoured to be recognised amongst her fellow colleagues and industry peers.  

“The team at WIM100 do an amazing job at shining a spotlight on the incredible women paving the way in the mining and resource sector. Today, I am excited and humbled to be named in the 2022 edition of 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining alongside Vandita, Sonia, Jess, and Ana, and I hope through sharing our own experiences, we can inspire other women to join the mining and resource sector," said Eliana. 

Women in Mining UK Managing Director, Dr Stacy Hope, congratulates all BHP selected nominees.

“The WIM100 is a celebration of the inspirational contributions women make to mining so that it is a safer, more sustainable and stronger industry for all. These five women at BHP were selected for their incredible work to ensure mining is recognised as an essential industry, critical for global development, economic growth and making countless lives better. Each of these women expressed unwavering commitment to nurturing new talent through the industry and helping to promote career pathways into resources,” said Dr Hope.  

The 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining 2022 edition launches today. 

You can read the publication and personal stories behind the inspiring careers of BHP’s Sonia Winter, Jessica Balasso, Ana Bran, Vandita Pant, and Eliana Calderon, who share their accomplishments, struggles, and inspiring advice for those forging a career in mining.