How a simple piece of fabric is helping make the mining industry a more appealing choice for women

Silk bonnets are worn under the helmet to prevent hair breakage. (Supplied)

After just one week at a new job, Carmen Andrews was horrified when she took off her helmet to find her hair was falling out. 

Ms Andrews had worked as a cleaner in mines for a decade, but a new position required her to don a hard hat for the first time.