Michelle Elvy

Growing up on a dairy farm in regional Victoria, Michelle learned resilience early — traits that would carry her through an extraordinary 25-year career in mining, resources and construction. Despite being told as a girl that maths and physics “weren’t for her,” she pursued engineering, graduating from Monash University while working full-time as a single parent. 

Michelle’s career has been defined by breaking new ground. As BHP’s first female Manager and Senior Site Executive at the Red Mountain Joint Venture, she delivered record production while transforming site culture and co-designing the company’s first global flexible work strategy. A defining chapter followed in Brazil, where she led a five-year recovery following the Fundão tailings dam failure — overseeing major engineering, environmental and community rehabilitation across dozens of affected regions. Now Vice President Major Projects at South32, Michelle leads with a focus on capital discipline, sustainability and decarbonisation. 

Michelle’s influence extends well beyond her formal roles. A founding member of BHP’s Global Inclusion and Diversity Council, she continues to be a strong voice for gender equity and flexible workplaces.  She mentors emerging leaders, maintaining up to five formal mentoring arrangements at any one time. Michelle also serves on the University of NSW Scientific Advisory Committee and supports initiatives addressing disability, domestic violence and homelessness.