BHP partnership is helping bridge the gender gap in critical industries

Wednesday, 6 December 2023

Two researchers from the University's Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research recently completed a development program, initiated by BHP, designed to assist in breaking down barriers that often prevent women in the engineering and mining sector from entering leadership roles.

Despite their proven ability to add valuable contributions to the sector, women account for just 13% of Australia's engineering workforce.The field has traditionally been male dominated, and many women have limited opportunities in being considered for leadership positions in the sector. Some reasons contributing to this gender gap include women's limitations in accessing the necessary education and training opportunities, and the challenge of managing a work-life balance in such a male-oriented industry.

BHP and the University of Newcastle are looking to assist in changing this. The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) has partnered with BHP to develop the Diverse Talent Program for Inspiring Women in Research, which aims to address gender related challenges while helping talented female researchers progress their careers. The program builds on a long history of research collaboration between BHP and the University.

The program, coordinated by Kim Hockings and Bree O’Sullivan at BHP, has seen female researchers from the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research participate in symposiums, build professional networks through visits to BHP facilities, and engage with overseas technology providers and engineering companies over a course of eight months.

We’re proud to have delivered a project that supports and encourages female researchers within an industrial research environment. We recognise their strong contributions, and will continue to support and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion within the energy and resources sector.” - Professor Alan Broadfoot, Executive Director, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER)

Research Associates Dr Khadijeh (Sara) Paymooni and Dr Simin Moradmand from the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research, along with CSIRO researcher Dr Yajun Tang, are the early to mid-career researchers that have been part of the program. Learn more about Dr Paymooni and Dr Moradmand’s journeys below.

Simin Moradmand working in a lab coat

Dr Simin Moradmand began her career as a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Electrochemical Engineering Group in 2022 after completing her PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University.

Her research focuses on green iron production by electrolysis in molten salt without the use of coal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with the traditional ironmaking process.

As part of the program, Dr Moradmand benefitted from several informative site visits to Queensland businesses, vising regional industrial sites at Hay Point, Moranbah, as well as BHP’s Integrated Remote Operations Centre in Brisbane, the CSIRO and the University of Queensland.

She said a balanced gender representation in engineering would enable a more nuanced approach to decision-making and everyday challenges in the industry.

"The more we see women involved in research and in making a real impact for industry, the easier it will be to encourage women to engage with research careers, especially in engineering and industry-focused ones,” Dr Moradmand said.

She believes the Diverse Talent Program for Inspiring Women in Research program has been a valuable opportunity.

“Working in a research setting, it’s easy to lose sight of the real improvements we make for industry. This program exposes researchers to the real-world challenges and problems that industries face, enabling us to work on more targeted solutions,” Dr Moradmand said.

Sara Paymooni smiling at the camera in front of her computer

Dr Khadijeh (Sara) Paymooni joined the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research Group as a Research Associate in 2021.

BHP supports Dr Paymooni’s research into carbon accounting and cost-benefit modelling for low carbon ironmaking products. By analysing technoeconomic and emissions, she is creating a model to determine the greenhouse gas emissions and whether new low-carbon ironmaking technologies will be economically beneficial.

Dr Paymooni thanked Mr Kim Hockings, Principal Sustainability Partnerships at BHP and member of the NIER Advisory Board, for his assistance and generosity on the program’s facilitated site visits.

“Kim has over 45 years of experience in the steelmaking industry, so we were so grateful for the time he gave us through the program,” said Dr Paymooni. “His mentorship, advice and willingness to introduce us to his networks was so appreciated.”

Dr Paymooni’s presentation at the International Symposium for Sustainable Cokemaking and Ironmaking in early 2023 caught the attention of representatives from POSCO, a South Korean steelmaking company.  She was invited to visit POSCO in June to discuss the development of their HyREX technology, which produces steel through fine iron ore and coal, and uses hydrogen instead of coal as a reducing agent aiming to eliminate emissions associated with steelmaking.

“The highlight was to see the level of technology they have in their research facility, and the way they encourage their partnerships with Universities to continue innovating,” said Dr Paymooni. “I’m grateful for the opportunities the Diverse Talent Program has provided, which is helping me grow my career and expand on the connections I’ve made through the BHP team.”

The Diverse Talent Program for Inspiring Women in Research project – initiated by BHP and delivered through the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research - is directed by Associate Professor Tom Honeyands and Dr Arash Tahmasebi. The University thanks the BHP team for their ongoing support of our researchers.

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