Below the surface: female perspectives on responsible business in the mining industry
- Tell us about the first mine you went to.
Fiona: “My first mine site visit was to an artisanal mine in Rwanda, and despite having worked on mining-related issues for some time, I approached it with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Nothing quite compares to experiencing a mine first-hand, and it challenged some of my preconceptions.
Many reports and news stories about mining, particularly artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), tend to rightly focus on negative aspects like child labour, poor working conditions and accidents. However, my first experience at this site was quite different. The mine was owned by 34 cooperative members, including four women, and employed around 1,500 workers from the local community. It was part of the ITSCI traceability scheme, and the cooperative members explained how ITSCI membership had dramatically improved safety and management practices. Previously, they had experienced up to eight accidents per year, but at the time of our visit, they hadn’t had a fatal accident in eight years.
In short, my first mine site visit was an eye-opening lesson in how mining can sustain and empower communities. The ASM community had built its own school and community centre and was involved in reforestation projects.
I wish I could say all my following mine site visits were just as positive.”
Mariana: “My first mine site visit was during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, before vaccines were available. I had never seen Heathrow Airport so empty as I boarded a flight to Mali, where the security situation in the north was rapidly deteriorating. Needless to say, it was a nerve-wracking experience.
At the time, I didn’t have anything to compare it to, but the site was enormous—one of the largest processing plants I have seen. However, the environmental conditions, with temperatures reaching 42˚C, made it almost unbearable. I have tremendous respect for the workers who perform their duties under such challenging conditions. It’s hard to describe how much I learned in such a short period. I believe it was an incredible introduction to mining.”
A funny story: “They weren’t very accustomed to receiving female visitors, especially someone of my size. When the logistics manager was reviewing the passenger log and travellers’ weights, he pointed out a mistake: “Who wrote down that someone weighs only 48 kg?” Quietly, I raised my hand, and the misunderstanding was quickly cleared up… I’m 1.50m.”
2. What has impacted you the most?
Mariana: “I’d like to share an experience that has positively impacted me the most. I’ve had the opportunity to visit a mine in West Africa twice now, which is located next to a national park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage site for many reasons, including its indigenous chimpanzee population (though, unfortunately, I didn’t get to see them!). While the country is relatively stable, like many low-income countries it lacks resources for conservation.
What impressed me the most was that this gold mine, as part of its licensing process, committed to funding conservation efforts. The results have been remarkable. Without the mine’s support, the park likely wouldn’t have the necessary funds for conservation and research. It’s a great example of how industry and environmental preservation can coexist and even support each other.”
Fiona: “One of the most challenging situations we encounter in our work is the role of public and private security forces tasked with protecting mining areas.
Security guards, whose jobs can expose them to significant risk, are among the lowest-paid workers and frequently live in poorly maintained camps. Yet they are entrusted with arms and securing the site.
The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) should help prevent human rights violations by security guards. However, they are often not fully implemented (see my Insight on Effective Implementation of VPs). If security challenges are not addressed, I worry that we will see more cases of violence erupting between armed security guards, ASM miners and community members.”
3. As a woman, how is your safety experience different from your male colleagues?
Fiona: “So far, I haven’t had any major safety concerns or issues during my site assessments. I was a little apprehensive about a couple of potential trips to central and western African countries. But both trips were cancelled, one due to a sudden resurgence of a conflict, which reminded me of how quickly situations can change in politically unstable regions.”
Mariana: “I don’t always feel as safe on a mine site as my male colleagues. A few years ago I returned to my room after dinner, locked the door, and even checked three times to make sure it was secure before settling down to work on a report. Meanwhile, my colleague felt comfortable enough to head down to the bar for a beer with the other guys around. I would never walk alone on a mine site, nor would I feel comfortable being the only woman in a bar there.”
4. As a woman, how does your experience differ from your male colleagues in terms of attitude from the workers or people on site?
Mariana: “People often assume I’m very junior or visiting a mine for the first time, which can be frustrating. I remember the first time I was the lead assessor—bringing years of experience with me—yet my male colleague, who had never set foot on a mine before, was assumed to be in charge. It was a frustrating experience, but it also underscored the importance of challenging assumptions and earning respect through competence. Moments like that have strengthened my resolve to lead confidently and ensure that my expertise speaks for itself.”
Fiona: “When it comes to gender dynamics, a mine site is not all that different from alpine huts or surf lineups – environments I’m very familiar with! More often than not, you look around and realise you’re the only woman present. In my experience, people are generally polite and respectful, but there’s an undeniable sense of standing out and being noticed.”
5. What is different, if anything, at every mine site you’ve visited?
Fiona: “Before working in the mining industry, I did not know how many different forms mining can take. To me, all mining was an abstract, identical concept. Now that I have seen hand-dug ASM tunnels, industrial underground pits and enormous open-pit mines, I can see how wrong I was. Mining can take many different shapes and forms, and so can the management of related community, social and environmental impacts. Not all mining is the same, which is precisely why traceability and knowing the origin of mined material is so important.”
Mariana: “An exciting aspect of working in different locations is the variety of food, which often mirrors the diversity of the workforce. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy some truly memorable meals—from the most flavourful dhals in Mozambique (unexpected!) to great bread in Côte d’Ivoire. In Peru, I’ve savoured incredible ceviche, and in Honduras, I was introduced to delicious baleadas!”