2026 Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award recipients announced
AusIMM is proud to support the next generation of mining professionals through its Education Endowment Fund (EEF) Scholarship.
Since 1989, the EEF Board of Trustees has awarded scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing financial assistance and valuable professional development opportunities. This support helps students complete their studies and begin successful careers in the minerals industry.
2026 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, showcasing a variety of mineral resources and mining activities. The itinerary includes hosted tours of sites and operations, giving students practical, first-hand insights 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 the dinner hosted by the EEF Trustees to celebrate the scholars. During the evening, the prestigious Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award is announced. Proudly supported by the Espie Family and Rio Tinto, the award honours the enduring legacy of Sir Frank Espie, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire future generations of mining professionals.
2026 Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award recipients announced – Launceston
AusIMM is proud to announce Keisha Sealy and Micah Gibson as the joint recipients of the 2026 Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award. As this years recipients, they join a distinguished group of emerging leaders who are helping to shape a sustainable, innovative and inclusive future for the minerals sector. You can read more about their studies below.
Micah Gibson – University of Wollongong - Bachelor of Engineering (Mining)/Bachelor of Business (Finance)
Micah Gibson is a Mining Engineering and Finance student at the University of Wollongong, building a career in the resources sector with a strong operational foundation and a growing interest in corporate finance. He currently works as an Underground Operator at Metropolitan Mine, developing practical experience alongside his studies.
Micah serves as President of the AusIMM Illawarra Student Chapter and plays an active role in bridging the gap between students and the resources sector. He oversees events such as Students Meet Industry Night, Spotlight Networking Evenings, and site tours, all designed to connect students with industry professionals. By coordinating these initiatives, Micah collaborates with mining companies to provide valuable networking, educational, and career opportunities for students.
Micah gained hands-on experience through mining and engineering internships, working as an Undergraduate Mining Engineer with Peabody at Wambo and Develop at Woodlawn Operations, and as an Undergraduate Civil Engineer with Leed Construction on Snowy 2.0. These positions enhanced his technical and practical skills in operations.
Micah values high performance, continuous learning, teamwork, and building long-term partnerships across industry. He has a growing interest in investment and value creation across the mining lifecycle as he progresses toward future commercial and operational opportunities.
Keisha Sealy – University of New South Wales – Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours)
Keisha is in her fourth and final year at UNSW, studying a Bachelor of Mining Engineering. She entered the mining industry with no prior knowledge, despite growing up just an hour from Cadia, and it was through a scholarship opportunity that she was first introduced to the sector. This opportunity, combined with the introduction to AusIMM, sparked her interest and shaped both her academic and professional journey, motivating her to engage with the industry and pursue leadership opportunities.
Throughout her degree program, Keisha has consistently exhibited leadership and dedication through her participation in the National Mining Games, the New Leaders Summit, and attendance at AusIMM Congress. She held the role of President of the UNSW mining society, MERESoc, in 2025 and currently serves as the 2026 President of the AusIMM Sydney Student Chapter, where she is committed to enhancing student engagement, professional development, and building industry relationships.
Keisha has interned with Redpath, Newmont, and OceanaGold, gaining practical mining experience through technical roles and crew work. Her strong understanding of operations, teamwork, and safety supports her commitment to a safe, sustainable, and innovative future in mining.