Breaking Ground: Mentorship and Support Networks in Mining and Construction
- Geovert
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
When Marianne Rogers began her career in mining, she was among the first women legally permitted to work underground in Australian mines. Her conversation with Hannah Thomas, a geological engineer earlier in her career journey, illustrates how intergenerational relationships can foster growth, resilience, and industry change. Together they highlight the need to support the next generation of women in the traditionally male-dominated industries of mining and construction.
The Value of Seeing Possible Futures
"It's important to see people like you, because even if I'm already in the industry... I still aspire to be like you and aspire to have your courage," Hannah shares with Marianne during their conversation.
This visibility matters. Without role models who've navigated similar paths, it's difficult to envision your own future in an industry. As Marianne explains, "If I do this and just be myself and be the best I can be, then maybe it's going to make it easier for other women who come along too."
For Hannah, seeing Marianne's success at Geovert was instrumental in her decision to join the company: "I saw them crawling their spider on the side of the hill and drilling. And I was like, 'What the hell?' That's in my world! I could do that!"
Creating Informal Support Networks
Throughout her career, Marianne has built connections with other women in the industry: "I have a strong network of women engineer friends, and I'm continuing to develop those networks."
These relationships aren't formalised mentoring programs – they're authentic connections based on shared experiences. "We intentionally go out of our way to support each other... We help each other with career advice or making introductions and those kinds of things."
Such networks serve multiple purposes. They provide emotional support during challenging times, practical career advice from those who understand the specific industry context, and opportunities through introductions and recommendations.
Addressing Challenges Together
Both women acknowledge that despite progress, challenges remain for women in mining and construction. Having a support network provides a safe space to discuss difficult situations and develop effective responses.
"It's tough to know when to bring that up and when to actually make light of it or to laugh it off because you're uncomfortable," Hannah reflects on navigating inappropriate comments or behaviour.
Marianne suggests a strategy: "Holding the mirror up to behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable and finding a way to do that with humour." She emphasises that while "we can't control other people, we can only control our responses to the situation."
These conversations between generations allow for the sharing of tested strategies while acknowledging that each person must find their own authentic approach.
The Role of Male Allies
Both women emphasise that creating more inclusive industries requires allies of all genders. "There have been some awesome men I've worked with who have been so supportive," Marianne acknowledges.
She specifically mentions current and former leaders who champion women's advancement: "Geovert CEO Anthony Teen is very proactive in terms of supporting and developing women in our industry, and I've had previous bosses at other companies who were wonderful."
These allies don't just provide individual support – they help change company cultures and industry norms through their influence and example.
Looking Forward: Building Awareness
For the future, both women see value in more active outreach to younger generations. "It's a whole other movement of energy and it takes a lot of effort to put that towards the generation after us," Hannah explains. "Getting involved with schools, talking to middle schoolers, bringing them a rock – that stuff is little, but it's what we can do."
This outreach serves multiple purposes: introducing young people to career possibilities they might not otherwise consider, challenging stereotypes about who belongs in these industries, and creating a pipeline of diverse talent for the future.
Advice for Building Bridges
For professionals at any career stage looking to strengthen intergenerational connections in their industry, both women offer several insights:
Be visible: Share your experiences authentically, whether you're a pioneer or just starting out.
Create informal networks: Connect with others at different career stages without waiting for formal programs.
Offer practical support: From career advice to introductions, tangible assistance matters.
Acknowledge challenges: Be honest about difficulties while focusing on solutions.
Leverage technology: Use platforms like LinkedIn to find and connect with others across geographical boundaries.
Recognise allies: Acknowledge and support those who champion inclusion, regardless of gender.
The Impact on Companies and Industries
Companies like Geovert benefit tremendously from these supportive relationships. They help retain talented women, create more inclusive cultures, and bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving.
More broadly, these connections accelerate positive change across industries. As experienced professionals share knowledge with newcomers, and fresh perspectives influence established practices, the entire field evolves more quickly.
This article is based on a conversation between Marianne Rogers, an experienced mining and construction professional, and Hannah Thomas, Geovert US team member and passionate advocate for increasing awareness of career opportunities for women in mining and construction.
