Behind every part of our refinery is a team whose skills, expertise and commitment keep Sun Metals operating safely and efficiently every day. Among them are many incredible women building rewarding careers and making a valuable contribution across our business.

This International Women's Day, we're proud to celebrate the women of Sun Metals and the important role they play in helping shape our success. While the mining and metals industry has traditionally been male-dominated, we're seeing more women build successful careers across operations, engineering, maintenance, laboratory services, safety and leadership.

As part of our Women of Sun Metals series, we're sharing the stories of the talented women behind our operations. Through their experiences, you'll discover the many pathways into our industry, what inspires them in their careers, and the advice they'd give to other women considering a future in mining.

"Be curious, ask questions, and take every opportunity that comes your way. Confidence and resilience will take you far."

As a Chemical Engineering Student, Taylah Verzeletti has been gaining valuable hands-on experience in Sun Metals' Leaching Department while completing the final year of her degree.

Working part-time alongside her studies, no two days are the same. From reviewing plant data and P&IDs to supporting process investigations and spending time out in the refinery learning how equipment and processes operate, Taylah is seeing first-hand how the theory she's learned at university is applied to real-world industrial challenges.

Outside of Sun Metals, Taylah is equally passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers. As a University Student Ambassador, she travels across North Queensland speaking with high school students about tertiary education and sharing her own journey into chemical engineering. One of her proudest achievements has been helping students see that careers in STEM are achievable for everyone.

Following an outstanding university placement, we're thrilled that Taylah has chosen to continue her career with Sun Metals after graduation.

Taylah believes one of the biggest misconceptions about women in mining is that they're limited in the roles they can perform. In reality, women contribute across every part of the business—from office-based positions to hands-on operational and technical roles—solving complex problems and helping drive the success of the refinery every day.

Guided by the mindset, "She believed she could, so she did," Taylah wears the quote on a bracelet as a daily reminder to challenge herself, embrace new opportunities and keep learning.

We sat down with Taylah to learn more about her experience at Sun Metals, what she's learned throughout her career so far, and her advice for women considering a future in engineering.

Thank you Taylah for sharing your story and for inspiring the next generation of engineers through your passion, curiosity and willingness to embrace every opportunity.