The Australian Institute of Mine Surveyors (AIMS) in partnership with Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines announced a new diversity scholarship at the recently held XVI International Mine Surveying Congress.

The Glencore Tim Underhill Diversity Scholarship in Mine Surveying is a three year program and will be offered to a female student who wishes to commence or continue study in mine surveying.

The scholarship is funded by Glencore and is posthumously named after AIMS respected member and fellow, Timothy Reginald Underhill, who held a senior mine surveying position at Mount Isa Mines before his unexpected passing in 2014.

Julia Reynolds, AIMS Board Member says this unique scholarship specifically targets female students in an attempt to promote gender diversity in the mining industry.

“Historically, gender diversity in the mining industry has been a tale of female under-representation, particularly in on-site occupations such as mine surveying,” Ms Reynolds says.

“This program aims to attract, recruit and develop women within the mining sector.”

Women of Mine surveying convene at the International Mine Surveying Congress in September, including Julia Reynolds (centre).

Denis Hamel, Executive General Manager for Glencore’s North Queensland Zinc Assets says Glencore recognises our people are our greatest asset and we believe that diversity, in all forms, is essential to the success of our business.

“We are proud to support this scholarship to encourage female students to study mine surveying,” Mr Hamel says.

“Tim Underhill was a valued member of our team for 14 years and was dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise to benefit others. Naming this scholarship in his honour will continue to recognise Tim’s professional contribution to the mining sector.

“We would like to thank Julia and the AIMS team for facilitating this unique scholarship program and we look forward to awarding the successful recipient next year.”