Women make up 16% of the workforce in the mining industry and this has been largely unchanged since 2001. Elena Mayer, President and CEO of Women Who Rock, explains that working on a mine site is a completely different lifestyle that one has to be accustomed to.

1 in 4 directors  in the industry are women, which is higher than the global average of 1 in 5. However, this has to do with a 2015 Ontario Securities Commission Disclosure Rule that created a need for dialogue and gender balance within the industry — this rule asks mining companies to explain the discrepancy between male and female employees, and seeks to know why fewer women are appointed to higher positions.

With automation and digitization bringing forth new work opportunities, women can work remotely, have a family, and still contribute to their job in meaningful ways.

Mayer describes how Women Who Rock is built on three strategic pillars that help women break into the mining industry: connecting, collaborating, and communicating. Based on the company’s research, these are the aspects needed for companies to attract the right talent — and this doesn’t have to solely apply to women.

Mayer also notes that although connecting people can be daunting, through mentorship programs that Women Who Rock offers, she is able to help connect industry leaders with aspiring geologists so that they can learn more about what the industry can offer as a career choice.

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