Ellie Hawkins, Scheduling Engineer at CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) and Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) graduate, has been announced as the joint winner of the Young Achiever of the Year award for 2020.
The annual event, typically held in Sydney, was transformed into a digital live-stream event in response to restrictions due to the COVID-19 health pandemic.
The Young Achiever Award recognises an inspirational young professional aged between 18-35 years who is building a successful career in mining. Ellie, who graduated in 2016 with First Class Honours and immediately secured a job at CMOC-North Parkes Mines NSW. Within her first 12 months at Northparkes, Ellie transitioned from being a Graduate Mining Engineer to a Drill and Blast Engineer with a concurrent role as Project Team Leader for the Wireless Detonation Trial. In addition to her work in North Parkes, Ellis is undertaking a Master of Philosophy at the School of Civil Mining and Environmental Engineering. Her research concerns relate closely with her work and concerns blast optimisation at the mine.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have received this award. At 26 years of age and only four years into my mining career, I know I’ve picked the right industry. The way we have held strong in the face of adversity in 2020 sings true to the great industry we are,” she said.
“Achieving this award would not be possible without my family at Northparkes. We are a tight-knit community and the support received, with individual drives means that opportunities are boundless.”