Larrisa Diaz

Born in the Philippines, Larrisa (Larry) Diaz migrated to Western Australia at age nine, adapting to a new culture, language, and identity. She studied Applied Geology at Curtin University, immersing herself in the WA School of Mines Kalgoorlie campus and supporting international students as a Chats Programme leader, helping improve conversational English and reduce isolation. 

Balancing her cultural heritage with her identity as a member of the LGBT+ community has shaped Larrisa’s commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments. 

As one of BHP’s rising geologists, Larrisa has earned a reputation for finding smarter, safer ways to work. Together with her team, she led improvements in drilling, sampling, and planning processes, reducing low-value, high-risk tasks. These innovations boosted productivity, cut risk exposure, and recovered millions in material – preserving more than 600,000 tonnes of high-grade ore in six months and saving more than $5 million through safer, more efficient methods. 

Larrisa previously co-led Jasper, BHP’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, co-designing five- and two-year strategic frameworks to clarify leadership roles, reduce burnout, and build sustainable, engaged teams. 

Now a Senior Mine Geologist, Larrisa champions inclusion, wellbeing, and improvement projects focused on safety, productivity, and quality – consistently embodying BHP’s values: doing what’s right, seeking better ways, and making a difference.