2025 Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award recipients announced
AusIMM takes pride in fostering the future of mining professionals through its Education Endowment Fund (EEF) Scholarship.
Since 1989, the Education Endowment Fund Board of Trustees has provided scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering financial assistance and exemplary professional development opportunities. This support helps students with Australian residency to complete their studies and embark on a successful career in the mining industry.
2025 recipients headed to Tasmania
Each year, as part of the scholarship package, EEF scholars attend an annual field trip, In recent years, the trip has explored operations across North West Tasmania which encompasses a variety of mineral resources and diverse mining operations. The trip itinerary includes hosted tours on various sites and operations with student experiencing practical insights first hand while deepening their understanding of the industry they are preparing to join.
Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award Dinner
One of the highlights of the annual field trip is a dinner where the scholars are celebrated by the EEF Trustees. During the dinner, the prestigious Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award was announced.
Jointly sponsored by Rio Tinto and the Espie family, and named after Sir Frank Espie, this annual award recognises and supports students who demonstrate exceptional potential as future industry leaders.
Announcing the 2025 recipients
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award: Tahnee Dilger and Bella Melov. These students have shown remarkable dedication and promise in their academic and professional pursuits.
We look forward to their future contributions to the mining industry.
Pictured (L-R): Jared Osborne, outgoing Chair, EEF Board of Trustees; Paul Espie AO, EEF Patron; Tahnee Dilger – joint winner; Bella Melov – joint winner; Chris Carr, AusIMM President and Andrew Jenkin, incoming Chair, EEF Board of Trustees.
Tahnee Dilger - University of Queensland – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil & Mining)
Tahnee is a third-year Engineering (Honours) student at the University of Queensland (UQ). Actively involved in the AusIMM Southern Queensland Student Chapter, Tahnee has participated in events including the recent Mining Games as a member of the ‘Golden Girls’ team which won the women’s division at the local and national levels.
In her first year of study, Tahnee joined UQ’s Mining and Metallurgy Association, becoming Media Officer in 2024. As a UQ Women in Engineering Student Leader, Tahnee has been able to mentor and present to outreach events in Brisbane and her hometown. A key aim is to be able to help and support young women who aspire to career paths beyond traditional boundaries and limitations. Tahnee has acquired practical experience through a residential vacation program at Glencore’s George Fisher Mine and a FIFO position at MMG’s Dugald River Mine in North West Queensland, where she worked in technical and operational roles.
As the newly elected President of UQ MAMA, Tahnee is looking forward to delivering high-value events for fellow student members and organising participation in the 47th Intercollegiate Mining Games in Camborne, UK.
Bella Melov – University of New South Wales – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mining)/Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Bella is entering her third year of Mining Engineering (Honours) and Finance at UNSW. Her passion for engineering stems from a love of mathematics and problem-solving. She chose mining because of its large-scale projects, the tangible nature of the work and its critical role in supporting the Australian economy.
At the end of her first year, Bella completed BHP’s internship program at Broadmeadow Mine, where she gained hands-on underground experience with the longwall crew. She continued to develop her technical skills by working part-time as an undergraduate mining engineer in the mine planning team. Following her second year, Bella broadened her experience by taking on a production engineering role at Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operations. These opportunities have provided her with invaluable practical experience that complement her studies, while helping her develop a deep appreciation for the strong team culture within the industry.
Bella is actively involved in the student chapter community, serving as Secretary for AusIMM's Sydney Student Chapter, Treasurer of the Minerals and Energy Resources Society, and Student Ambassador for UNSW's Minerals and Energy Resources School and the Sydney Mining Club. Through these roles, she fosters connections between students and professionals while promoting the resources sector.
Bella is passionate about inspiring young women to consider careers in mining and is committed to changing people's perceptions of the industry.
Applications for the 2026 EEF Scholarships are now open!
If you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student passionate about mining, this is your chance to take the next step in your career with financial support, mentorship, and unique industry experiences.