“I knew I wanted to pursue a data science career to tackle problems that had never before been solved by applying data in new and unique ways.”

They are the words of Joana Sousa, BHP Machine Learning Specialist and Finalist in this year’s Women in Mining and Resources Queensland Award for Exceptional Woman in Technological Innovation, following her work on PASPO. PASPO is BHP's first ever machine learning application which provides optimised wash setting recommendations to achieve target product quality specifications in BHP's coal handling processing plants.

It was when Joana joined Portugal's first-ever digital-only insurance company as a Data Analyst that her love for developing innovative digital products began.

“While implementing statistical models to reveal business insights, I saw first-hand how data-driven decisions could create significant value for businesses,” said Joana.

A love that only grew further when she arrived in Australia and joined the BHP Female Talent Acceleration Program (FTAP) - a program aimed at creating pathways for diverse talent into the minerals industry and one that saw her become a Junior Data Scientist.

“At that time machine learning was an emerging discipline. Now, the opportunities to implement machine learning solutions in the resources industry are endless, and that’s what makes a career at BHP and technology so stimulating and appealing”

"I appreciate the opportunities for growth and the chance to work on exciting projects. I feel that my skills and experience are valued and that I'm constantly learning and challenging the limits of my capabilities. It is a great time to be part of BHP’s digital transformation journey”, said Joana.

For Joana, having role models and mentors has been key to her success, helping her to build confidence and a sense of belonging while also providing valuable insights and advice on navigating the industry.

“In male-dominated industries like technology and mining, it can sometimes be difficult for women to feel supported. By having female mentors and role models, women can feel encouraged and empowered to pursue their careers and see that there is a place for them here”, said Joana.

Having accelerated her career in the mining industry thanks to strong female mentors and leaders, Joana is to committed developing and advocating for the next generation of women in STEM roles. She is now a mentor herself for the BHP FTAP as well as SheCodes - an Australian program that aims to inspire women to pursue a career in Technology.

“One of my proudest moments was supporting an incredible woman to transform her career from Engineer to Data Scientist. With her exceptional intellect and growth mindset, and ongoing encouragement from myself, she graduated the FTAP program in record time, said Joana.

As Joana looks to the future, she is excited about the future of her career – including taking on new challenges and maximising the potential of machine learning – so she makes a positive contribution to teams, BHP and communities.