What is the origin of the female names behind Tunnel Boring Machines? And why have these massive mechanical moles, which cut through mountains and dig underground tunnels for subways, railways, roadways, and hydraulic systems, always been given women’s names?
Martina was the first record-breaking TBM to work in Italy, specifically in the Valico Bypass section between Sasso Marconi and Barberino del Mugello: 15.62 meters in diameter, 110 meters in length, and a total weight of 4,500 tons. In Melbourne, Australia, Zelda and Gillian have recently begun excavating the tunnels for the North East Link, which, once completed, will be the longest road tunnel in the city and the entire state.
A Tradition Dating Back to the 16th Century
The tradition of giving female names to Tunnel Boring Machines dates back to the 1500s when miners and workers handling explosives invoked the protection of Saint Barbara against lightning and fire—and, consequently, against deaths caused by explosions. Over time, Saint Barbara became the patron saint of miners and firefighters.
Women Who Left Their Mark on History
Although TBMs have replaced explosives in tunnel construction, the tradition of invoking Saint Barbara’s protection and assigning female names to each machine has remained unchanged. These names are also chosen to honor women who left their mark on history. For example, the TBM Zelda in Melbourne is named after one of the most important women’s rights activists in the Australian state of Victoria, Zelda D’Aprano (1928–2018), who fought for equal pay between genders. Meanwhile, Gillian, the other machine operating in Melbourne, was named in honor of Dr. Gillian Opie, the founder of the country’s first breast milk bank.
