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Students passionate about the world of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are amongst the finalists for the Queensland Resources Awards for Women – an annual event celebrating the achievements of women in the resources sector.

The finalists for the 2024 Exceptional Female QMEA Student Award are:

• Lexi Croce (Moranbah State High School)
• Aileen Hu (St Hilda’s School – Gold Coast) and
• Cadence Taylor (Bundaberg State High School).

The annual Resources Awards for Women celebrate the contribution women are making to the state’s $116.8 billion resources sector and are facilitated by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the three students were worthy finalists and great advocates for the resources sector.

“Lexi, Aileen and Cadence have got different areas of interest in the resources and energy sector, but they have all displayed a commitment to the future of the industry and shown leadership skills as ambassadors for the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy this year,” said Ms Jones.

“I am sure they will be part of the next generation of innovators and leaders who will contribute to increasing the long-term sustainability of the resources and energy sector.”

“I am also delighted all three finalists are participating in our six-month QRC/WIMARQ Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program where they will have the opportunity to get guidance and advice from an industry professional.”

Lexi Croce is a School Captain at Moranbah State High School and has actively pursued her interest in STEM studies throughout secondary school, including being a member of her school’s successful Moranbah High STEM Innovation Experience team which won the Queensland competition in 2023.

Lexi said she was driven by the idea of finding electrical solutions to make mining operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.

“The mining and energy sector powers our world and I’m keen to be a part of the drive to create a more sustainable future for the industry,” said Lexi.

Aileen Hu is a House Captain and Sustainability Prefect at St Hilda’s School. Aileen’s interest in the resources sector was sparked after attending an Oresome Minds camp and visiting BHP mines at Mount Arthur in New South Wales and Moranbah in Central Queensland

“I’d like to combine my passion for science, maths and innovation to create solutions that will have an impact on the resources sector,” said Aileen.

Cadence Taylor has already represented Bundaberg State High School across a range of academic, sporting and cultural events and is enjoying the role of School Captain this year.

“I am interested in becoming an environmental scientist and supporting the resources sector as it invests in renewable energy and emerging technologies that will increase efficiency and reduce waste,” said Cadence.

“I think that is a career that will be meaningful and make a difference to our world.”

The 2024 Exceptional Female QMEA Student Award is sponsored by Golding and the Women in Resources Awards are presented by Anglo-American.

The winner of the student award will be announced at the QRC/WIMARQ International Women’s Day Lunch (Friday 8 March) in Brisbane, which features global mining leader and BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery as keynote speaker.