Lara Sims
Lara Sims is a seasoned Health & Safety Professional with over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, currently serving as Vice President of Health and Safety at Ivanhoe Electric. Throughout her career, she has led large teams and driven organizational change, focusing on building a culture of accountability, empowerment, and proactive safety practices. Lara’s approach emphasizes that true loss prevention comes from inspiring individuals to act responsibly, not merely following rules or compliance standards.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Lara is the Managing Owner of Sims 360 Health & Safety Solutions, where she provides consulting and strategy development to enhance workplace safety across diverse mining operations. She has a proven record of designing and implementing Health & Safety management systems, mentoring leaders, and influencing behavior at all organizational levels. Her work is informed by a blend of hands-on experience and advanced technical knowledge, including a Master of Science in Safety Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Lara’s professional philosophy is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. She holds certifications as a Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP) and Associate Safety Professional (ASP), and she is recognized for her ability to challenge outdated norms while motivating teams to take personal ownership of safety. Committed to creating safe and responsible work environments, Lara continues to mentor, teach, and inspire the next generation of Health & Safety leaders in the mining sector.
• Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP)
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) Certification
• University of Wyoming
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mining
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, a bit of stubbornness, and the incredible support system I’ve been fortunate to have throughout my career. These elements have helped me overcome challenges, stay focused on my goals, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep going and keep learning. No matter the challenges, staying persistent and continuously expanding my knowledge has allowed me to grow, adapt, and seize new opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to hold others accountable and be someone people can rely on. Building a reputation for dependability and integrity opens doors, earns respect, and strengthens your influence in any professional environment.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the mining industry is being a woman in a male-dominated field, along with navigating my own insecurities. At the same time, this career has given me incredible opportunities to travel, connect with new people, and grow both personally and professionally.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, and transparency. I believe that holding myself to these principles builds trust, fosters strong relationships, and ensures that I lead and contribute in a way that is ethical and reliable.