Breaking Ground: Celebrating Women Leaders in Mining

In a world where hard hats and steel-toe boots have been reserved for men, women are breaking new ground in the historically male-dominated mining industry. From the mining grounds to the boardrooms, women are claiming a seat at the table—making significant contributions to their companies’ growth and promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this is the perfect time to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of women who have not only broken through the industry’s barriers but also climbed their way up to key leadership positions.

The business case for promoting gender diversity in mining is compelling, with studies suggesting that it results in better company performance. While correlation doesn’t imply causation, the correlation in these studies shows that when organizations commit to diversity, they become more successful.

In a 2015 McKinsey report, it was found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 15% more likely to have higher financial returns than their industry medians.¹ It suggests that diverse companies foster a more inclusive culture, which helps them attract, engage, and retain the best talent. More importantly, as a diverse team means diverse thinking, companies also benefit from better decision-making that translates into tangible results.

This is in line with a Credit Suisse analysis of 2,400 companies worldwide, which found that large-cap companies with at least one woman on the board have a higher return on equity and net income growth than those with no female board representation.² 

However, despite their ability to bring unique perspectives, experiences, and insights to the table, women account for only 15.7% of the workforce in the mining industry.³

This gender imbalance becomes even more apparent when you analyze the management teams of mining companies. A 2013 study by WIM (UK) and PwC found that women held only 5% of seats on boards at the top 500 mining companies.⁴

Half a decade later, it seems like not much has changed. More recent PwC reports that analyzed the top 40 mining companies in the world found only a slight growth in women’s representation on boards, from 19% in 2018⁵ to 21% in 2019⁶.

As the mining industry continues to evolve and investor preferences lean towards organizations with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments⁷, the inclusion of women, especially in key roles, becomes increasingly important.

At Global One Media, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with inspiring women leaders who are making significant contributions to their companies and leaving an indelible mark on the mining industry as a whole. These women have not only defied stereotypes and overcame barriers for entry, but have also shown exceptional leadership and resilience.

Through our exclusive interviews, they share their experiences, triumphs, and insights on what it takes to succeed as a woman in the mining industr

We sat down with Sophy to talk about the importance of a diverse management team and board. Drawing from her personal experiences transitioning into mineral exploration, she shares helpful advice for younger women aspiring to enter and thrive in male-dominated industries.

In this interview, Katharine takes us behind the scenes of her journey to leave a mark in the mining and exploration industry. She also shares practical tips for women who want to break into industries overrepresented by men.

In this video, Michelle offers valuable insights on how diverse leadership teams improve the performance of mining companies. She also aims to inspire by sharing her success story in the field.

As one of the few women CEOs in the industry, Delayne shares how she rallied her company to remarkable success in both Canada and Cambodia. She also talks about the hurdles she overcame along the way and shares inspiring advice for aspiring female CEOs.

Amid deep-rooted stereotypes, biases, and discrimination, exceptional women continuously strive to break glass ceilings and make a name for themselves in the mining industry. However, it’s important to recognize that much work still needs to be done. 

We still have a long way to go to achieving a fully inclusive and equitable work environment, not just in mining but across all industries. As we celebrate the achievements of women leaders who have paved the way, it should also serve as a reminder to commit to continued advocacy, awareness, and support. 

At Global One Media, we provide companies with a platform to share their stories and amplify their impact. Contact us today to expand your reach and broadcast your message to the right audience.

^{1  McKinsey & Company. Why Diversity Matters (2023)}

^{2 Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse Gender 3000 report shows women hold almost a quarter of board room positions globally (2021)}

^{3 Forbes. Why the Mining Industry Needs More Women (2019)}

^{4 International Women in Mining. Mining for Talent (2013)}

^{5 PwC. Mine 2018- Tempting Times (2018)}

^{6 PwC. Mine Report 2019- Resourcing the Future (2019)}

^{7 Forbes. Environmental, Social And Governance: What Is ESG Investing? (2024)}