Today, one of the most significant changes shaping the future of the operation is the growing number of women building careers across every part of the business from trades and operations to engineering, environmental management and senior leadership. 

Women now represent around 25% or a quarter of McArthur River Mine’s workforce, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating pathways for women to enter, develop and succeed in the resources sector. 

That commitment was recognised at the 2026 Exceptional Women in Resources Awards, where McArthur River Mine’s Local Language Employment Program received the Excellence in Company Programs and Performance Award. 

Designed specifically for the Gulf region, the program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to transition into mining careers through culturally responsive recruitment, mentoring and workplace support. Since 2023, 77 Indigenous employees have taken part in the program, creating meaningful employment opportunities and helping strengthen local communities. 

The achievements of MRM women were also recognised individually, with Nicole Salzgeber receiving Highly Commended in the Outstanding Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician category. 

For General Manager and 2024 Gender Diversity Champion Mark Furlotte, these achievements reflect years of focused effort to create opportunities and remove barriers for women entering the industry. 

“For 30 years, McArthur River Mine has been creating opportunities for people across the Gulf and the Northern Territory,” he says. 

“We want women to see mining as an industry where they can build rewarding careers, develop their skills and progress into leadership positions. 

“The women featured in this story are helping shape the future of our business and demonstrating what is possible for the next generation.” 

Supporting that vision are initiatives such as the MRM Women’s Network, graduate and cadet programs, apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities and leadership development pathways. 

The results can be seen across the operation. 

For Nicole Salzgeber, recognition at this year’s Women in Resources Awards highlights the growing opportunities available to women in technical and operational roles. 

Her Highly Commended award reflects both personal dedication and the increasing visibility of women working in positions traditionally dominated by men. Nicole’s success demonstrates that capability, commitment and performance continue to open doors for women across the industry. 

At a leadership level, Manager Health, Safety, Environment and Compliance Lana Treasure is helping drive one of the most important aspects of the operation ensuring people return home safely every day. 

Leading a team of 55 people, Lana works across the business to strengthen safety culture, environmental performance and leadership capability. 

As one of the Northern Territory’s most respected safety professionals, she believes creating opportunities for women strengthens both teams and business outcomes. 

“Diversity brings different perspectives, stronger decision-making and better outcomes for everyone,” she says. 

“It is incredibly rewarding to see more women stepping into leadership positions and helping shape the future of our industry.” 

The opportunities being created at MRM extend beyond leadership roles. 

Assistant Supervisor Delanie McCartney began her career in hospitality before transitioning into construction and eventually mining. Since joining MRM in 2020, she has progressed through multiple production roles before moving into frontline leadership. 

Today, she mentors others entering the industry and encourages women to back themselves in operational environments. 

“At McArthur River Mine, I have grown not only professionally but personally,” she says. 

For Borroloola local and qualified boilermaker Antonia Tehatu, mining has provided an opportunity to challenge perceptions about women in trades while inspiring the next generation of young people from remote communities. 

After years of persistence pursuing an apprenticeship pathway, Antonia now uses her experience to encourage students from Borroloola to consider careers in mining and skilled trades. 

“One of my most meaningful contributions has been engaging with students from Borroloola High School,” she says. 

“By sharing my experiences and answering questions, I have helped make the industry more accessible and relatable.” 

For mining engineering cadet Georgia Moffitt, MRM’s development programs have accelerated her career progression. 

Since joining the business in 2023, Georgia has completed two mining qualifications, operated some of the site’s largest equipment and finished her university degree ahead of schedule. 

Her experience demonstrates the opportunities available to young Territorians entering technical and professional roles within the industry. 

The diversity of careers available is also reflected in Rehabilitation Supervisor Emily Mahoney and environmental advisor Hermine Strohmayr. 

Emily progressed from field worker and tree planter to a supervisory position in less than two years, leading crews responsible for rehabilitation and environmental improvement across site. 

Hermine, who grew up in Darwin and developed an interest in mining through a school project, now contributes to environmental monitoring, approvals and rehabilitation programs that support the long-term sustainability of the operation. 

Together, their stories demonstrate that modern mining careers extend well beyond traditional perceptions of the industry. 

Across McArthur River Mine, women are contributing in trades, operations, engineering, environmental management, community engagement, safety and leadership. 

As the operation looks to the future, MRM remains focused on creating pathways that support local employment, strengthen regional communities and ensure more women can see a place for themselves in the resources sector. 

“Our success has always been connected to the people and communities of the Northern Territory,” Mr Furlotte says. 

“We want the next generation of women to see opportunities in mining, build meaningful careers and help shape the future of the Territory”. TQ