Researcher biography

Dr Kemp is a Senior Research Fellow at UQ's Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining and manages key projects which focus on issues of human rights, conflict management, gender and social accountability systems. 

For the past 15 years, her work has concentrated on social justice-related issues in large-scale industries (primarily mining). She has a particular interest in drivers that lead to improved social performance, and industry responses to community relations and development challenges.

Deanna engages with industry, government, civil society groups and mine-affected communities through research (commissioned and independent), social performance evaluation, policy advice and development, training and education, and participation on a range of advisory panels, such as for the Responsible Jewellery Council and the BASESwiki project.

Previous to joining CSRM, Dr Kemp worked in corporate and operational roles within BHP Billiton, including as Manager Social Policy in global headquarters. She has also worked as an independent social assessor for Newmont Mining and Oxiana. Much of her work and research has been international at projects in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Canada, New Zealand and in Australia.