SANDRA Collins is a finalist in the 6th annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards, recognising a trailblazing career that has led the way for women in the industry.
Over a 30 year career, Collins has continually broken new ground and demonstrated that women can be effective and valuable employees in non-traditional roles.
She was the first woman to study mining engineering in Queensland and only the second in Australia.
Over the course of her career, Collins has been the first woman in Australia and New Zealand to hold most of her different roles.
In her mid-20s she was driving 170 tonne haul trucks and instructing others in their use.
Later, as a blasting engineer, she introduced the use of bulk emulsions to the Australian iron ore industry.
In 1985, she gained an exemption from NSW legislation that prevented women from working underground, so she could then work as an underground supervisor, surveyor and engineer.
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