Breaking barriers and redefining possibilities: Celebrating Kirsty Hollis, winner of the 2025 Extractives Trailblazer Award

OceanaGold's Principal Metallurgist Kirsty Hollis has been recognized with the 2025 Extractives Trailblazer Award, celebrating her pioneering contributions to the mining industry over a distinguished 35-year career. Her achievement is particularly notable as she broke significant barriers early in her career, becoming the first woman to graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mineral Processing from Auckland University, following studies at both Waikato University and Auckland University.

The award recognition highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the extractives sector, where women have historically been underrepresented in technical and engineering roles. Hollis's career trajectory demonstrates the value of persistence and excellence in a traditionally male-dominated field, serving as an inspiration for future generations of women entering mining engineering and metallurgy.

This recognition comes at a time when the mining industry is increasingly focusing on diversity initiatives and the need to attract top talent regardless of gender. The Extractives Trailblazer Award appears to specifically celebrate individuals who have not only excelled in their technical contributions but have also helped pave the way for others to follow.