South32’s Communities Manager Melanie Lawson handing out school supplies for the “Jump Back to School” event in Nogales, Arizona.
South32 is a mining and metals company whose purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. The company is trusted by its owners and partners to realize the potential of their resources.
Melanie Lawson is the Communities Manager for South32, responsible for developing relationships with the local community and developing community investment as well as other programs. Outside of her work with South32, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family outdoors. Her family loves swimming and golfing together as well as exploring new places all around Arizona.
Melanie says, “South32 supported Mat Bevel Company this year as a sponsor because it’s a unique organization that provides an educational benefit as well as an arts and culture benefit to local students. The Universe Within program is unlike any other and pushes students to explore science, engineering, and art all at once.”
South32’s Garner Lea – Senior Project Engineer, Angela Watt – Manager Underground Engineering and Pat Risner – Hermosa Mine President.
Similar to Mat Bevel Company, South32 is committed to cultivating ingenuity and inspiring people to tackle challenges with greater imagination. The Hermosa project in Patagonia, Arizona, is bringing together big imaginations, deep thinkers, problem solvers, and visionaries from across the industry, because the project has so much potential. The Hermosa project is providing South32 with the rare opportunity to consider using technology and other innovations in a way that typically isn’t done in the mining industry. Melanie says, “We’re exploring new technology and innovation as they relate to mining. It’s an open-minded approach to modernizing the way we bring metals to market.”
Melanie believes that responsible environmental management is an obvious way to make the world a better place. She says, “I know that many people don’t think responsible management of environmental impacts and mining can coexist, but I’ve experienced with South32 and other mining companies that it can.”
South32’s Melanie Lawson with her daughter at the Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Annual Steak Fry & Raffle in Patagonia.
Two of the key things that Melanie would like to pass on to future generations are access to education and economic opportunity. She says, “I want not only my own children but also the children in the communities where we work to have access to quality education, which can then open the door to economic and other opportunities.”
South32’s aim is to build a trusting and long-lasting relationship with the community and to leave a positive legacy. Partnering with Mat Bevel Company is one way that South32 supports local education and art in the local schools, which in turn makes a positive impact in the community.