Mining Is Not Just Man's Work Anymore - Building Gender Balanced Business

“Many mining companies now employ female truck operators as they take better care of the multi-million dollar equipment.” — Barbara Dischinger, founder of Women in Mining

Though women are still significantly under-represented in the boardroom in mining companies (as in other industries), there has been some movement on that front as well.

• The world’s richest woman, Gina Reinhart, heads an iron ore and coal empire
• RST recently hired Melanie Seal to serve as manager in Argentina
• Cynthia Carroll has presided over Anglo American for the last five years

“We are seeing more females qualified or studying to enter into the mining industry. Though there is still a stigma around mining being a man’s job, this is beginning to shift as more and more talented women enter the workforce.” — RST director Peter Parkinson

CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRY

Companies such as Anglo American are actively supporting initiatives to employ and retain women in the mining industry. Organizations like Australian Women in Resources Alliance are working to increase women’s participation in the resource sector.

Women in Mining’s Barbara Dischinger points out that there are even small changes in the mining culture, such as the availability of safety gear (e.g. hard hats) in more traditionally feminine colors like pink and purple.

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