Jemima Recognised as Outstanding Young Woman in Resources
Santa Maria College past student Jemima Reid (2018) is making an impressive mark in the resources industry, recently being named Outstanding Young Woman in Resources in the 2026 Women in Resources Awards.
A Humbling Recognition
Jemima said she was overwhelmed when she learned of the honour.
“I was so surprised when I found out, I was absolutely floored. I’m incredibly honoured and grateful for the recognition, especially so early on in my career.”
Her latest recognition follows another major achievement, having also received the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year Award from the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy.
Reflecting on that experience, Jemima said she felt similarly humbled.
“I was again so surprised and incredibly honoured to be recognised in that way, especially as my leadership skills are something I’ve worked incredibly hard on for a long time.”
Building Experience Underground
Jemima is currently working as a graduate engineer with Barminco, where she is gaining hands-on experience through the graduate program by working through operating roles underground.
“As part of the graduate program, I’m working my way through the operating roles underground to strengthen my own knowledge of underground mining, and ensure that I have operational experience to draw on as an engineer in the future,” she said.
At present, Jemima is working as an underground loader operator at Agnew underground goldmine, while also filling in as a shotfirer and a longhole driller. Her days begin early, with a pre-shift meeting at 5.45 am or pm, depending on whether she is on day shift or night shift, before heading underground with her crew.
“I work 12 hour days, but it honestly goes so fast, and I genuinely really enjoy it. Everyday there is a new problem to solve, underground is so dynamic, no day is exactly like the next.”
Leading with People in Mind
Alongside her work underground, Jemima has also shown strong leadership through her involvement with AusIMM and the UWA Student Chapter. These experiences have shaped the way she sees leadership within the industry.
“People are, and always will be, the most important resource in the resource industry, and learning how to get the best out of them is the most important skill you can have as a leader.”
The Power of Mentorship
Mentoring has also played a significant role in Jemima’s journey and is something she is deeply passionate about, particularly when it comes to supporting rural students and emerging professionals.
“I’ve had the fortune of having amazing mentors throughout my journey. They’ve supported me, they’ve encouraged me and they’ve opened doors for me. I am a better engineer and have achieved so much more than I ever thought possible as a result of their support, and so if I can do that for someone else, if I can open doors for them and help them be the best version of themselves, then I’ll be happy.”
Strength Through Adversity
Jemima’s resilience and determination have also been shaped by her early life experiences. She shared that she is the oldest daughter of three girls and, after her mother passed away from breast cancer when Jemima was 13, she was raised by her father.
“Watching my mother fight cancer for six years, and my dad do his best to support his wife and his three daughters, it taught me to face challenges head on, with not only strength and resilience, but also gave me a continuous desire to improve and excel. It also taught me to take advantage and make the most of every opportunity, and never let them go to waste.”
Inspired at Santa Maria College
Looking back on her time at Santa Maria College, Jemima said there were several teachers who influenced her direction, particularly in Mathematics and Chemistry.
“I had the privilege of having so many wonderful teachers at Santa Maria, it’s very difficult to pick just a few, but I’d have to say Ben Walker my Maths teacher and Hannah Fay, my Chemistry teacher. They made their subjects fun and interesting, and it was because of their classes that I decided to do engineering.”
Advice for Future Engineers
For young women considering engineering or a career in the resources sector, Jemima offers encouraging and practical advice.
“You don’t need to be as good as you think you do at mathematics or STEM to have a career in engineering or resources. So many times, I have heard young women say ‘I’d like to do engineering but I’m just not that great at maths and physics’, when what they actually mean is they aren’t the top of the class in those subjects. I didn’t even do Physics or Specialist Maths in Year 12. I did them as bridging units at UWA because I realised at the end of Year 12 the thing I most enjoyed doing was problem solving. What has made me stand out in engineering has been the things I didn’t learn from my STEM subjects, but my ability to work well in a team, my ability to present and speak well and my desire to see projects completed to the best of my ability.”
Jemima’s story is one of resilience, leadership and determination, and her achievements are a wonderful example of what can be accomplished through hard work, courage and a willingness to embrace opportunity.
- Alumni Spotlight, Featured, graduate engineer, Jemima reid, outstanding young women in resources, resources industry careers, Santa Maria College alumni, women in mining leadership, women in resources award
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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