Unearthing
Neurodiversity
in the Australian
Mining Industry ​
Welcome
Thank you for visiting Neurodiversity in Mining.
My name is Tamzen and I am a neurodivergent geoscientist in Western Australia who is passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity in the Australian mining industry.
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"The term Neurodiversity...refers to the infinite range of differences in individual human brain function and behavioural traits."(8)
Click here to learn more
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Why Mining?
What is Neurodiversity?
The mining industry provides a uniquely challenging environment characterised by labour-intensive shift work in remote areas, for extended periods of time away from essential support systems.
Neurodiversity impacts an estimated 15-20% of the population worldwide (1). Mining employment in Australia has trebled from an average of 83,900 in 2002 to 286,100 in 2022 (2). If 10% of those employed in mining identified as being neurodiverse, this equates to over 28,600 people who are working tirelessly to fulfil roles designed for neurotypical personnel.
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After learning that Neurodiversity fails to make the top four priorities for improvement in the resources industry (3), combined with first-hand experiences and observations, I was inspired to take action.
Purpose and Mission
Neurodiversity in Mining is passionate about creating a neuro-inclusive mining industry.
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We aim to achieve this by:
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Educating the mining industry on what neurodiversity is and its value to companies
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Empower those who are neurodivergent to understand and embrace their valuable differences
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Improve working conditions for neurodivergent employees