Dassault Systèmes is dedicated to enabling the digital transformation of Australia’s mining industry with innovative technology to help mining businesses transition towards sustainable mining practices and realise the industry’s vision for a carbon neutral future.

In this week’s Dassault Systèmes Women in Mining series, we speak to ANZ Senior Client Executive, Krystle Dobson, on the factors that led her to carve out a career in mining and her aspirations in improving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) outcomes in the mining industry.

1. Tell us how you got into mining as a career at Dassault Systèmes.

I’ve always loved maths, the outdoors, nature, and art, which led me to Earth Sciences and geospatial intelligence. What led me to this particular role is my love for working with scientists in the mining industry, and my passion to realise sustainable outcomes for the energy and minerals market with the giant leaps enabled by technology innovation. It’s a great time to be in tech in the mining industry.

I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled quite a bit early in my career working in the mineral exploration technology space, where I learnt and experienced how global organisations operated and communicated with each other.  I have been lucky to work with many tenacious and talented women in the mining industry who inspired me to constantly push outside my comfort zone, to be a thought leader, and challenge the status quo.

At Dassault Systèmes, what I’ve noticed so far is that we’ve got a company with great technology and big aspirations, and we have an extremely supportive global network that encourages diversity and inclusion. There’s a huge amount to learn, but I’m grateful to be working in an environment where I believe I can achieve my best.

2. Mining is not usually seen as a traditional career choice for women. Why did you choose mining as a career?

I find that it’s very challenging and interesting to connect science and technology with economics; finding new ways to access high volumes of remote resources; the race to run sustainable mining operations; and the varying needs of individuals in the workforce dependant on their personal circumstances.

I’m passionate about making an impact on ESG in Mining. There is so much that the mining industry can translate and leverage from other industries, such as manufacturing, transport and mobility, life sciences, and the ability to virtualise worlds.  The technology exists now to do any kind of “what if” simulation, analysis, and process optimisation you can dream up which can provide essential decision support to ensure safer and more sustainable mining operations.

3. What is your experience of being a woman working in the mining sector? What challenges have you have experienced?

Raising a family whilst maintaining a senior position was (and is) very challenging.  I am aware of the added complexities of FIFO (fly-in fly-out) and my hat goes off to these parents.  That is one of the many reasons why it’s so important to have urgency to deliver virtualized mines, to allow increased productivity and safety, improved flexibility and work/life balance for families, as well as the triple bottom line upside of real-time data driven decision making.

4. What inspires you about your role at Dassault Systèmes?

I love technology and how it has the ability to change people’s lives and outcomes – like air travel, 3D exoskeletons, the virtual heart, wearable tech, and smart cities.

If I come across a problem, that if solved, could have a huge impact on ESG and profitability for a customer, I know that we have the capability and networks to be able to deliver such a solution.

5. What’s your advice to women starting out in the mining industry and in technology?

Show initiative, commitment, integrity, and resolve. Call out inappropriate workplace behaviours, make your ideas known, and surround yourself with people that you trust. To quote my mother: ‘never be afraid to try – you’ll either learn or succeed’.