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The School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering is proud to congratulate Bella Melov on being named one of the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award, presented by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Each year, AusIMM supports outstanding mining students through its Education Endowment Fund (EEF) Scholarship program. In addition to financial support, the program provides students with access to mentoring, professional development, industry networking and hands-on experiences, including an annual field trip to mining regions across Australia.

On this year’s trip, Bella joined fellow scholars on a field trip to North West Tasmania, visiting a range of mining operations and gaining first-hand insight into the technical and environmental challenges faced by the industry. During the trip’s celebratory dinner, she was announced a joint recipient of the 2025 Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award, alongside University of Queensland student Tahnee Dilger.

Jointly sponsored by Rio Tinto and the Espie family, and named after Sir Frank Espie, the annual award recognises and supports students who demonstrate exceptional potential as future industry leaders.  

“I’m incredibly grateful and honoured to receive the Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Award, and to be recognised alongside the incredible Tahnee Dilger,” says Bella Melov.

“This award has inspired me to continue learning and growing, and to contribute to changing the perception of the mining industry in Australia. I hope to use this opportunity to encourage more women to consider careers in mining – an industry with a wide range of opportunities, and one in which Australia is truly world-class.”

“The EEF scholarship has supported my development in so many ways. The mentorship program has offered valuable guidance as I navigate the early stages of my career, while the field trip to Tasmania gave me the chance to visit a range of mine sites and operations I wouldn’t have otherwise seen. It broadened my perspective on the technical and environmental challenges specific to the region and helped me build strong connections with other students from across the country.”

“I truly wouldn’t have received this award without the incredible support I’ve had along the way – from mentors, peers, and lecturers. I’m especially thankful to the staff at the MERE School, whose encouragement, teaching, and opportunities have had a strong impact on my studies and career path so far.”

Bella is a third-year student at �鶹��madou, studying Mining Engineering (Honours) and Finance. Driven by a passion for maths and problem-solving, she chose mining for its large-scale, hands-on projects and its vital contribution to Australia’s economy.

After her first year, she completed an internship with BHP at Broadmeadow Mine, gaining underground experience with the longwall crew, and later worked part-time in mine planning. Following her second year, she took on a production engineering role at Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operations.

Bella is actively involved in the student community, serving as Secretary of the AusIMM Sydney Student Chapter, Treasurer of the Minerals and Energy Resources Society, and a Student Ambassador for both �鶹��madou's Minerals and Energy Resources School and the Sydney Mining Club. She is passionate about inspiring young women to consider careers in mining and is committed to changing people's perceptions of the industry. 

The School is proud to celebrate Bella’s achievement and looks forward to seeing her future contributions to the resources industry!