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ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF MINING BALANCING DE V ELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH SUSTAINABLE APPR OACH
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ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF MINING BALANCING DE V ELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH SUSTAINABLE APPR OACH
Iparticipateinsignificantbusinessdiscussionsandkeep theirviewsincrucialdecisionsofthecompany There issomuchmoreattachedtoawomanwhensheisleading anorganization.Businesswomenfocustheirenergyata levelwhereevenmencannotachieve.Suchwomenhave becomeanincredibleforceleadingeventhenot-soglamorousfieldlikemining.
thasallbecomepossibleforwomentodayto
Businesswomenhaveamassiveresponsibilityinthemining industryasitcanmeanmanythingstomanypeople. Womenbeingcourageous,authentic,andskillful,areready foreveryopportunitywithconfidenceandarenotafraidof anychallenges.
Safetyisconsideredoneofthebiggestchallengesfor womenintheminingindustry,buttheyhavemadetheir waybyleveragingtechnologiesandpracticingautomation. Womenunderstandtheimpactmininghasonthe environment.Throughtheirwork,theyarestrivingto reducegreenhousegasemissionsanddrivetheworld forward.
Withtheparticipationofbusinesswomen,themining industryhasundergoneadrastictransformation.These businesswomenhavemadetheirmarksintheindustryand setanexampleforotherwomentopursueacareerinit.We cansaythatanewgenerationofbusinesswomeninthe miningforceisreadytoreinventtheindustrywithgreat ideas.
Thefuturewillbemoreopenandcollaborativearound womenintheminingindustrywhileensuringgrowthand
environmentalsustainability.Womenshouldaspiremorein thissectorandfindtheopportunitytogainexperienceand understandingoftheminingworld.
Ifweseehowtheworldisconnectedwithdifferent cultures,thispositiveenvironmentwillcreatebeliefinthe businesswomentoenterthisfield.Ifthereisanythingthat needstobechanged,itwouldbepeople’sapproachtowards womeninallindustrysectors.Withtheinclusionofwomen insuchcriticalindustries,wecanseethepicturechanging.
Womenaretransformingtheminingoperationsthrough innovationandteamsupportandhavebecomea cornerstoneinthisindustry Theendgoalforallthe businesswomenwouldbetochangewiththechanging times,bringingtheexcitingworkforceinsectorssuchas mining.
Moreandmorecompaniesnowlookforwardtoworking withsuchbusinesswomen,beitminingoranyother industry,astheyareawareoftheircapabilities.Withsucha transformation, Insights Success appreciatesthepotentialof suchbusinessleadersinitsupcomingedition-Top10 CompetentWomeninMiningtoWatch.
Unveiltheinspiringstoriesofbusinesswomenwhohave madetheirwayintotheminingindustrywiththeirdaunting leadership.Wefeelproudtosharetheirjourneysand successstoriesthroughthisedition,andwearesurethatis thebeginningoftheneweraofwomeninthemining industry
BoipeloPLekubo FinancialDirector
HarmonyGoldMining CompanyLimited harmony.co.za
Dr.MelbaK.Wasunna ExternalAffairsManager BaseTitaniumLimited basetitanium.com
HarmonyGoldisthefirstlargestgoldminingcompanyin SouthAfrica.
LocatedinKwaleCounty,50kmsouthofMombasa,Base TitaniumoperatesKenya’slargestmine,whichwasofficially awardedflagshipprojectstatusunderKenya’sVision2030 nationaldevelopmentblueprint.
FoureraSottyMaiga HeadofEnvironmentand Sustainabledevelopment
ORANOMiningGroup orano.group
JacquelineMadsen TechnicalTraining Consultant
JeannetteMcGill VicePresident&GM Metals&Mining
KirstyLiddicoat GeneralManager
LoretoAcevedo Co-founderandDirector ofEcosystemand Innovation
Marie-ChantalKaninda ExecutiveDirector
CaterpillarInc. caterpillar.com
Oranoisfocusingallitsexpertiseontherecoveryofnuclear materialsandthemanagementofnuclearwastetogenerate safe,low-carbonelectricityanddeliveraneffectiveresponseto theenergyandenvironmentalchallengesofthe21stcentury.
CSAGlobalisanERMGroupCompanythathasbeen providingservicestoitsclientsacrossallmineralcommodities andregionsgloballyforover35years.
CaterpillarInc.istheworld’sleadingmanufacturerof constructionandminingequipment,dieselandnaturalgas engines,industrialgasturbines,anddiesel-electriclocomotives.
AspenTechnology aspentech.com
EvolutionMining evolutionmining.com.au
AspenTechnologyisthecompanythat’sembeddingartificial intelligence(AI)throughoutindustrialmanufacturing environments.
IndiminSPA indimin.com
EvolutionMiningisanAustraliangoldminingcompanywith projectsacrossAustraliaandinOntario,Canada.
IndiminisconnectingBigDataandArtificialIntelligencewith peopleandprocessestoachievethemostproductiveminingin theworld.
GlencoreDRC glencore.com
Glencoreisoneoftheworld’slargestgloballydiversified naturalresourcecompanies.
SorayaMadera ChiefEngineer BarrickPuebloViejo barrick.com
Barrickhasgoldandcopperminingoperationsandprojectsin 13countriesinNorthandSouthAmerica,Africa,PapuaNew GuineaandSaudiArabia.
FeaturedPersonLoreto Acevedo Co-founder and Director Innova on and Ecosystem Indimin
Leadersintheminingindustry,especiallywomen, arepassionateabouttransformingtheindustry's facebyimplementingsustainable,innovative solutions.Recentupgradesintheminingindustrythrough technologicaladvancementshaveprovedtobesignificant insustainablemining.Byprovidingenvironment-respecting solutions,theseleadersaredeliveringmoreimpactful operationalefficiencies.Theseefficiencieshaveallowedthe organizationstoutilizetheprocessenablingforecast operationalimprovementopportunitiesinmorecomplex andhigh-impactmining.Leadersarebuildingthenext generationofdigitaloperationandpersonalizedlearningto incorporatewiththeminingindustry.Onesuchleaderis LoretoAcevedo,whohasdedicatedherworklifeto implementinnovativeprojectsadvisinglargeorganizations intheminingsector
Loretohastransformedtheworkprocessinthemining industrybyenablingbetterprocessandroleengagement. Sheisaproactivepersonwiththeabilitytoadaptandface challengeshead-on.Shehasalwaysmetthegoalthatshe
setsforherself,whichledhertowinthe"Outstanding WomaninMining"awardin2013,givenbytheMinistryof MiningoftheGovernmentofChile.Additionally,Loreto wasalsowasselectedasthe100inspirationalwomenin miningin2020.
Moreover,Loretoisalifelongathletewholovestotravel. Sheconsidersthatbothactivitieshavehelpedhertobe moreperseveringandtohaveateamvision.
Let'sshedmorelightonherjourneyasaleader.
LoretoistheCo-founderofIndimin,aChileantechnology startupwithmorethanfiveyearsinthemarketthat developedSmartMiningCoach,thefirstdigitalassistant enabledwithartificialintelligencethatallowspeopleto reachthemaximumpotentialonthesite.Shealsoservesas theDirectorofEcosystemandInnovation.Inthisrole, sheimplieslinkingwiththeglobalentrepreneurship
ecosystemtoachieveinnovativevaluepropositionsthat allowhertocontinuegrowingandpositioningherselfasa leaderinartificialintelligence.
Loretomentionsthatoneofthechallengesofthemining industryistheconnectionwiththeenvironmentand communities.Forexample,focusonindustrywaste; thousandsoftonsofCo2emissionstotheplanetisrisking thefutureofsociety Theincorporationofrenewable energiesastheoperatingbaseoftheminingindustryis fundamental.Asforthecommunities,ifitdoesnotachieve thesharedvaluevision,itwillbeimpossibleforthemto supporttheindustry'sgrowth.
Genderdiversityisoneofthependingpointsaswell. However,theindustryhasgrowngraduallytoday.Itisstill stagnantbetween10-15%dependingonthecountry,which urgentlycallsfortheneedtomakedeeperchangesin integratingwomenintotheminingindustry,likewise genderfocuscareerdevelopment.
Talkingabouttheimpactofthepandemic,Loretostatesthat COVID-19hasbeentheacceleratorofthedigitizationof theminingindustry,andIndiminhasplayedavery importantroleforitsclients.Ithasbeenabletosupportthe captureofvalueusingdatainthefieldfordecision-making. Also,ithassupportedthemanagementofpersonnel remotely,animportantmissioninthesetimes.
Loretobelievesthatitisessentialnowmorethaneverto connectwiththecollaboratorsatIndimin.Relationships havebecomealmost100%digital,makingitdifficultto connect,transcendingwork,andbuildingsolidworkteams.
"In this sense, the positive organizational culture promotes the vision that, despite the challenges that we have, we are capable of facing it together, even though we do not know
the answers, incorporating diverse visions," shesays.
Loretocaresforherteam.Sheopinesthatbeingastartup, thevisionandcommitmentoftheteammembersacquire vitalimportancetogrowthmorethanmarketvisiontoreach orsatisfytheclients.Internally,sheandherteamlookfor thesustainabilityofthecompanyandhavinganenjoyable job.Withoutadoubt,thecompanycouldnotfacethiscrisis withoutitsmembersandstaff.
Indiminenvisionsandincorporatesallindustrystakeholders wherethefindingofsharedvalueisthemaingoal.The productionofmetalsandnon-metalscannolongerbe regulatedbytheireconomicvaluebutmustincorporatethe contributionofeachoftheparticipantsinthevaluechain.If theworkersinvolvedcouldbenefitfromtheincrease,this effortwouldpositivelyimpactthecommunity.Itcouldalign interestsandmobilizetheindustrytoachievetripleimpact. AtIndimin,itiscalleddigitalsharedvalue.Usingdataand convertinginintelligencefacilitatestransparencyand truthfulnesstomakeeachofthecontributionsvisible.
AccordingtoLoreto,today,theminingindustryhasbeen challengedtosolveproblemsneverfacedbefore,like shortageofwatertooperate,useofrenewableenergyto reduceenvironmentalimpact,etc.Newtechnological developmentsallowIndimintomeetsomeofthese challenges,suchastheuseofdatatomaketransparent efficiencymetrics,contributionsofeachoftheworkersto achievetheirgoals,forexample.Itisanamazingtimeto rethinktheprocessandconsidertechnologiesasallies,as longastheysolveaproblemforsomeone.
Additionally,thesamedisruptedtechnologieswouldhelp stopminingasitisknowntoday:movinganunnecessary amountofmaterial.Consideringthatthelawsaregetting lowerandlower,thisproportionisonlyincreasing.To transportthatmaterial,itemitsalotofCo2intothe atmosphere,thenithastobecrushed,aprocessinwhich muchenergyisused.ThatiswhyLoretotendstothinkthat usingnewtechnologiesshouldradicallychangethewayof mining.
Loreto'smissionthroughIndiministoconnectpeople, artificialintelligence,andproductivityforsustainable mining.ItfollowsitsmissionthroughSmartMiningCoach,
‘‘ Your best moves are in the palm of your hand. ‘‘
‘‘
Increasing efficiency, safety, and the sense of empowerment for your team. ‘‘
whichconstantlyseekstogeneratesharedvaluedigitally usingdataasatransparentvehicletomakeallexternaland internalstakeholders,suchasworkersandmembersofthe communities.Thisalignsinterestsandgenerategreater valueforall.
Indiminhasdoneitwithprovenresultsbydelivering personalizedfeedback.WorkingtoreduceCo2emissions hasdigitallypersuadedtheoperatorstoachieveit.It reducescostsandallowssavingsbetweenthemining companyandthecollaborator,usingareliabletoolbasedon bigdata.Imagineiftheworkercoulddonatepartofthis savingstoacommunityproject.Thatisthevisionof'shared digitalvalue',anewbusinessmodelfortheindustry
Loretothinksthatpeoplearetheengineofchange,and empoweringthemwithtechnologycanenhancetheirfull potential.ThedreamforIndimininthenearfutureisto makeitspresenceknownineverymine,turningevery decisionintoactionandfromactiontocapturetheimpact byimplicatingSmartMiningCoach.SmartMiningCoach isanintelligentdigitalassistantthatpromotessharedvalue intheminingindustry.Itisa"game-changer"frombeinga 100%cost-focusedindustrytoonethatisjustasimportant andvisibletothecontributionofitsworkersandthe community
IntheopinionofLoreto,miningisanancientindustry,and wemusttakeadvantageoftacitknowledgeofthefieldand amplifyitwithexponentialtechnologies.
Inheradvicetoemergingwomenentrepreneurs,Loreto says,"I would tell them creating a startup in this industry is a long and arduous path, but no less fascinating. Customer acquisition rates in the industry can range from 6 to 12 months. However, this has been shortened in time where mining companies are trying to promote open innovation programs where they can link with startups more expeditiously.”
"The pandemic has also brought us the opportunity to reduce this time, given the possibility to sell online, reducing the cost of customer acquisition and increasing the chance of internationalization, as in our case in 2020 we arrive in Australia," sheadds.
Unfortunately,therearefewwomenentrepreneursin technologyintheminingfield.However,Loretothinksthat themorewomenarelinkedtotheindustry,thegreateristhe probabilityoffoundinganassociatedstartup.Oneofthe mostsignificantsourcesofentrepreneurshipisbasedon pastworkexperiences.Ifpromotedwell,theinclusionof women,notonlyinminingcompaniesbutalsoinsuppliers, couldhavebetterresultsinthecomingyears.
Sheconcludes, "Universities are an interesting source of entrepreneurship incubation, so if we promote entrepreneurship as a work path alternative in STEM careers, which could be associated with the industry, we would also have an impact on the rate of women entrepreneurs."
Today,resilientandcompetentwomenleadersare abletoenteranyindustry.Theyholdthepotential toplaythemostcrucialroleeveninamaledominatedindustrylikemining.Theyeducatethemselves withsufficientknowledgeabouttheindustryandbecome capableofperformingtheroleofaleaderinthechoiceof theirindustry BoipeloPLekubo,theFinancialDirector atHarmonyGoldMiningCompanyLimited,isonesuch womanleaderintheminingindustry.
BoipelojoinedHarmonyinJuly2017asaChiefFinancial Officer.ShewassubsequentlyappointedasFinancial DirectorinMarch2020.Shehasanextensiveexperience ingroupfinancialmanagementandreportingwithinthe miningindustry Sheisapartnertobusinessunitsand departmentswithintheHarmonygroupwiththemain objectiveofensuringtheoverallfinancialmanagementof thebusinessandallotherfinancialobjectivesareachieved.
Thereisnojourneywithoutchallenges.Talkingabouther journey,Boipelomentionsthathavingaleadershiproleina male-dominatedindustrysuchasminingalwayspresentsits challenges.Thesechallengesarefurtherexacerbatedby beingamillennialandhavingcolleagueswhoare considerablyolderthanher.However,sheisaseasoned miningindustryprofessional,havingbeenintheindustry for12yearsandledvariousteamsthroughouthertenureat multiplecompanies.Shehashadtorelyonherleadership andmanagementcapabilitiesandstyle,bringingforthnew ideastoenhancethecompany'soperationalefficiencies. Besides,shealsomentionsthatthesupportfromherteam hasalsobeenoverwhelming.
ThereisnodenyinghowtheCOVID-19pandemicseverely impactedseveralbusinessesindifferentindustriesglobally
Boipelomentionsthattheminingindustry,particularlyin SouthAfrica,isnostrangertodealingwithoccupational diseases.ThiswasonceagainevidentinHarmony’sswift responsetoCovid-19,wherespecificprotocolsandstandard operatingprocedureswereimplementedfromtheonset. Asmuchasthecompanysawadeclineinitsproduction numbersduringthevariouslevelsoflockdown,theindustry sawasubstantialincreaseincommodityprices,with miningcompaniesyieldingthehighestreturnsin2020. Boipeloplayedanactiveroleinallbusinessaspectsin ordertosupportHarmonyinoperationalandstrategic decisions.
AtHarmony,everyonebelievesindoingwhatitdoesbest, producingsafe,profitableouncesandcontrollingonlywhat itcan,whichisitscostsandproduction.Integrated environmental,social,andgovernancethinkingisingrained withinthecompany,initsstrategyandthewayitdoes business.Itsfocusisonmanagingenergyefficienciesand reducingcarbonintensitiesthroughthelifecycleofits operations.Itaimstoconductitsminingactivitiesand associatedprocessesinamannerthatcomplieswith environmentallegislationandconsiderateofenvironment anditscommunities.Harmonyseekstoserveandleavea positivepost-mininglegacy.Theidealofexcellencein environmentalperformanceunderpinsitsbusinessstrategy
Moreover,Boipelobelievesthatpositiveworkcultureisa businessimperativeinthe21stcentury.Employeesneedto knowthattheyaremakinganimpactintheirspecificroles andcontributingtothecompany'soverallsuccess.At Harmony,itsstructureisfairlyflat,anditbelievesinan open-doorpolicy Assuch,manyofitsemployeeshave directaccesstotheseniorexecutives,whichisquite uncommonatmostorganizations.
AtHarmony,safetyisitsfirstvalue,andithasalreadyseen amarkedimprovementinsafetystatisticsovertheyears.It hasalsoadoptedanintegratedapproachtodecision-making wherethereisactiveconsiderationgiventowardsthe relationshipbetweenitsoperationsanditsimpactonits resources,people,andenvironment.Theminingindustry hasbeenattheforefrontofdemonstratingtrue sustainabilityforsometimenow
ApartfromHarmony’ssocialandlaborplans,whicharea regulatoryrequirementinmining,thecompanyhasgone aboveandbeyonditscallasresponsiblecorporatecitizens. Itsapproachisaimedatpartneringwithitsstakeholders, creatingawin-winsituation.Stakeholderengagementisthe principalmechanismthroughwhichHarmonymanagesand addressesawiderangeofexpectationsandperceptions withinitscommunities.
Headingintothefuture,Harmonywillundoubtedlybenefit fromthemanyopportunitiesthathavebeencreatedthrough itsrecentacquisitions.Throughcarefulandstrategiccapital allocationdecisions,ithasimprovedalmostallofits metricsbothfinancialandnon-financial.Harmonyis confidentinitsabilitytodeliverlong-termpositive
shareholderandstakeholderreturnsandremaincommitted toachievingitsstrategicobjectivesofsafe,profitable ounces.
BoipeloiscurrentlypursuingherExecutiveMBAthrough theUCTGraduateSchoolofBusiness,andthatiswherea lotofherexcessenergyisdirected.Shelikestothinkthat beingimpactfulisalifejourney,giventhedifferentstages onegoesthroughinlife.
Moreover,Boipelowouldliketoseetheinclusivityof femalerepresentationinmining.Sheconsidersitisno longerbeingsomethingtocelebratebutratherasocial norm.Shealsohopestoinspireandupliftcommunities, particularlytheyounggirlandboychild.Shestatesthat theyneedtoknow,nowmorethanever,thattheirdreams arevalidandcanbeachieved.
Inhermostpreciousadvicetoaspiringandemerging womenentrepreneursintheminingindustryBoipelosays, “Be resilient and authentic, nothing in this life worth having comes easy. Educate yourselves and accumulate a wealth of knowledge about the industry, this will be your greatest asset. Above all – be yourself.”
Dr.MelbaK.Wasunna
AffairsManager
iththeremarkable10+years’experienceinthe extractivesectorandastrongtrackrecordDr. MelbaK.WasunnaMelbaiscurrentlythe ExternalAffairsManageratBaseTitaniumLimited, Kenya’slargestminingcompanyrepresenting65%ofthe totalvalueofthecountry’smineralsproduction.Herrole involvespublicaffairsandpolicy,corporateaffairs,strategy development,sustainability,publicrelations,negotiations, governanceandriskmanagement.
MelbaholdsaDoctorofJuridicalScience(Law)from MonashUniversity,Melbourne,Australia.Sheisadmitted topracticeasanattorneyinNewYork,USA.Apartfrom hernotableacademiccareer,shehasalsoauthoredseveral publicationsincludingreports,journalarticlesandbooks. Sheistherecipientofthe“100GlobalInspirationalWomen inMining”(WIM100)Award2020andthe“UpstreamOil andGasAwards,WomanoftheYearKenya2019”.She currentlyservesastheChairpersonfortheAssociationof WomeninEnergyandExtractivesinKenya(AWEIK),a platformthatpromotesandassiststheparticipationof womenintheoil,gasandminingvalue-chaininKenya. SheisalsotheViceChairpersonoftheEnergyand ExtractivesSectorBoardattheKenyaPrivateSector Alliance(KEPSA).
Forher,impactfulleadershipistheonethatcreatesaclear meaningandsenseofpurposeforpeople,balances emotionalagility,aswellassupportsothers/teammembers intheirowngrowth.Asaleader,Melbaiscognizantthat shehasboththeopportunityandresponsibilitytoconnect herteamtotheorganization’svaluesandensurean alignmentthatwillallowforthemtofindtheirmeaningand purposeintheirownwork.Thishasdriventhemtohigher levelsofmotivation,innovationandoverallperformance levels,forwhichMelbaiseverthankful.
Shebelievesthatultimately,animpactfulleadermustbe abletoconnectwithandleadpeople.Accordingtoher,an impactfulleadermustalwaysseethebigpictureandthen helptheteamtounderstandhowtheworktheyaredoingin theirfunctionalareaconnectstotheoverallorganizational strategy,thecommunitiestheyserveandtheworkoftheir colleagues.
Melbaalsosuggestsforinternalassessmentfromtimeto timeor ‘checking in with self’ Accordingtoher,asa leader,onemustfirstunderstandandbeclear-mindedabout theirowninnerworkings:whatdrivesthem,howdothey respondtostress,whatsituationsbringouttheirbest(and worst),andequallyimportantlyhowdotheyprefertolead andhowdotheyliketobeled. “Understanding these aspects of yourself, and how they change depending on circumstances, place you in a better position to show genuine empathy and support your people,” sheopines.
Thepandemicdrasticallyimpactedthewayorganizations work.DuringthePandemic,BaseTitaniumputinplacea robustworkfromhomeschemeforallbuttheessential employees.Atapersonallevel,duringtheheightofthe Pandemic,Melbawoulddoinformalwelfarecheckswith eachteammember,todiscussanychallengestheywere facingduringtheworkfromhome.Becauseofherstyleof compassionateleadership,manyofherstaffwasableto sharewhattheywerefacing,bothpersonallyand professionally.Byestablishingthismutualrelationshipshe wasabletoofferassistancetheteamrequired.And, sometimesitwasnothingmorethanashouldertocryon.
Melbaandherteamalsonominated,andwon,staff membersofaCommunity-focusedCovid-19Response TeamfortheBaseTitaniumAnnualSafetyTeamAwardfor theiroutstandingcommitmentandcontributiontosafety performanceandimprovement,albeitinanunorthodox fashion.
Melbawasraisedbyasinglemother.Sheseeshermother asawomanwithstronglifeperspective. “She has taught me to be independent since I was a little girl. She knows what to say to me when I am down even about the most minor things and she puts life into perspective,” says Melba.Hermother’sstruggletoraiseherinspiresMelba themost.Andthatstrugglemadeherstrongand independent,anddriveshertosucceed.
MelbaconsidersMarianneWilliamson’spoem ‘Our Deepest Fear' atruemotivationforherself.Shestates “I first came across this when I was still very young in my career and had graduated from law school in South Africa and was navigating my first job in New York as a corporate lawyer.” Shefurtheraddsthispoemhasbeenananchor throughoutherprofessionaljourney,asitgivesherstrength andcomforttoowndecisions,tobeconsciousandnottobe swallowedbydoubtsornegativethinking.
Melbawouldliketopursuepolicyandlegislativechanges inKenyatowardsincludingapercentageofwomeninthe workforceatminingcompanies.Shesaysthatopportunities forwomeninleadershipandmanagementrolesare typicallyinfluencedbylawssurroundingthemining industrywithabearingonemploymentandcorporate governance.Forexample,inSouthAfrica,followingthe
introductionofalegislativerequirementformining companiestoensureapercentageoftheirworkforceis femalehasledtothecountry’sminingsectorhavingthe bestleveloffemalerepresentationonboards.Kenya’s corporategovernanceguidelinesforlistedcompaniesare morepassive.Thegovernmentsimplymakesprovisionfor boarddiversitywithregardstogender,stipulatingthatthe appointmentofmembersshallbegendersensitiveandshall notbeperceivedtorepresentasingleornarrow constituencyinterest.Giventhattheminingindustryhasthe lowestnumberofwomenonboardsofanysectorinthe world,theSouthAfricanexperiencebearstestamenttothe efficacyoflawasatooltoencouragemorewomeninlargescalemining.
Now,moreandmoreminingcompaniesareinvestingalot oftimeandotherresourcestoassesshowtechnological innovationcanhelptheminingindustrytoaddressits challenges.Melbaopines “While these technological developments are great as they increase operational efficiency and improving worker safety with among other key benefits, one must still be mindful that many communities rely on mining jobs to support their local economies, and if technology replaces human workers, these communities could collapse.” Sheaddsthatits thereforeimportanttostrikeabalancebetweendeveloping modernsolutionsandensuringlocalcommunitiesare incorporatedalongthejourney
Inheradvicetoyoungwomenaspiringtoenterintothe miningindustry,shesays, “Accept that you are entering a traditionally male dominated sector but that you have just as much to offer as any male colleague.” Sheurgesyoung womentobecourageous,beauthentic,honetheirskillsand leadwithconviction. “Stop comparing yourself to others and, above all, seize every opportunity with confidence and don’t be afraid of sharing your successes,” saysMelba.
“Compassionate leadership is driven by passion, self-awareness and empathy to inspire understanding and knowledge in team members.”
Theminingindustryisoneofthemostcoreindustriesoftheeconomy Thisindustryisvitalbecause itprovidesfoundationalrawmaterialsand resourcestomanyimportantindustries.Themining businessinvolvestheextractionofpreciousmineralsand othergeologicalmaterials.Theextractedmaterialsarethen transformedintoamineralizedform,andthatservesasan economicbenefittotheminer.Generalactivitiesinthe miningindustryincludemetalsproduction,metalsinvesting,andmetalstrading.
Theminingindustryismostlymale-dominated.Pursuinga careerintheminingindustryisacourageousdecision, especiallyforwomen.Itrequiresonetohavelotsofguts andbraverytopursueacareerintheminingindustry becauseofthedifferentchallengesintheminingindustry And,competentwomenleadersarenotafraidbutare alwaysreadytotakeoneventhechallengingsectorslike mining.Theybelievethattheycancrossoverallthe obstaclesandchallengesintheminingindustrywithfaith, courage,andpotential.
Competentwomenintheminingindustryarefocusedon ensuringminedevelopmentandsustainability Theybelieve thatoverseeingthebiggerpictureoftheminehelpsmake therightdecisionsontimetorevealthetruepotentialofthe miningbusiness.Theybelieveinrecognizingwhat happenedinthepastandwhatishappeninginthepresentto bebestforthefuture.
Womenintheminingindustryareplayingacrucialrolein ensuringenvironmentalsustainability Theyarevery cognizantaboutminimizingenvironmentalharmby balancingdevelopmentwithsustainability.Ensuringthe balancebetweendevelopmentandsustainabilityisamark ofthemostcompetentpeopleinmining.Thosewhohavea goodunderstandingoftheminingindustry'sbusiness strategizesothatthereisminimaltonoenvironmental damageintheprocessesofextractingmaterialand transformingextractedmaterialsintoamineralizedform.
Utilizingtechnologyeffectivelyisoneofthemost importantfactorsofthesustainableminingbusiness,and womenareprioritizingthesame.Byutilizingtechnology, theyareminimizingenvironmentaldamageandenabling sustainableproductionofminerals.Theyarebringing substantialvaluetoallthestakeholdersinvolvedinthe miningbusiness.
Theybelievethatcontinuousimprovementandevolving solutionsarethewaytopursuebusinessinthemining industry.Suchleadersdon’tseeminingwiththeeyesofthe past;theyseethepotentialinthisindustryandpositively pursuetheirbusiness.
Theminingsectorhasevolvedinawaythatthesafetyand well-beingofthepeopleandtheplanetarekeptasthe priority.Thisisastrongresponsibilitythatisprioritized, especiallyundercompetentwomenleadersinthemining industry.Thisensuresthesustainabilityofthebusinessand
finerbalanceinmaintainingtheenvironment'ssafety, continuouslydeliveringtheprofit.
Besides,womenleadershavethetopmostpresenceofmind. Theyutilizetheirpresenceofmindtotakethemost valuabledecisionsaccordingtotime,place,and circumstances.Theydon’tjustthinkintermsofprofitability butalsothinkfromthepointofviewofenvironmental sustainabilityandtrytheirlevelbesttoensurethebalance betweenbusinessprofitandenvironmentalprotection.They possessagreatdealofknowledgeintheminingindustry, whichhelpsthemmakethemostproductivedecisions.
Thecourageandwillpowerofthewomenleadersinthe miningindustryismostadmirable.Theyhaveasustainable approachtothebusinesstheypursueintheindustry They playtotheirstrengths.Theycountontheirpotentialand competencetopursueambitiousbusinessesinthemining industry Theybelieveinbeinginnovativetodelivervalue continuously.
Moreover,theyalsoinspireotherwomenentrepreneursto pursueacareerinitthroughtheirsuccessfulcareerinthe miningindustry Theybelievethattheyhaveasmuch opportunityasmentocontributetotheminingindustry Theyadviseaspiringwomenentrepreneursinthemining industrytoembracetheopportunitiesontheirwaywith confidence,courage,andcompetencewithoutbeing complacentorafraid.
Fourera So y Maiga Head of Environment and Sustainable development ORANO Mining Group
Theminingindustryisoneofthechallenging industriestopursuebusinessin.Ittakeslotof courageandwill-powerespeciallyforwomen leaderstoworkintoughandchallengingenvironmentlike miningindustry.Itisnosecretthatthemining,oil,and energysectorisdominatedbythemen.Somewomenwho areinit,asforthemtheretheycollectandmanage disparities.Resilientwomenleadersfindtheirwayeven throughchallengingsectorsandareabletothriveevenin suchenvironments.FoureraSottyMaigaisonesuch leaderwhoispursuingherambitionsinsuchchallenging sectorsandmakingworthwhilecontribution,andwho considersitisimportanttohavecourage,will,commitment andbeliefinone’scapacities.
Member,Founder,andPresidentofAssociationdeWomen oftheSectoroftheExtractiveIndustriesofNiger (AFSIEN);Vice-CoordinatordeWomeninMiningof WestAfrica(WIMOWA),FoureraSottyMaigawork (NigerOranoMining)fortheimplementationofthe strategicdrawingacrossitsmissionsandsharesinfavourof thewomenoftheextractivesectordomesticallyand regionaloftheAfricainwestzone.Herresponsibilities includecarryingthevoiceofthewomen,promotingthem andimprovingtheirworkingandlivingconditions,and resolvingthechallengesfacedbywomeninthemining sectorswhobelongtothebasicsalaries.Asarecognized internationaloperatorinthefieldofnuclearmaterials, Oranodeliverssolutionstoaddresspresentandfuture globalenergyandhealthchallenges.
AtthelevelofAFSIEN,Foureraworkstoimplementthe distributionofsharesplannedtotheadvantageofthe womeninalong-lasting,fair,andbeneficialway.Its missionsandobjectivesaresimilaratthelevelof WIMOWA.Alltheseambitionstotheadvantageofthe womenbroughttoithassetuptheAssociationofWomen inMiningofAfrica(AWIMA)inNovember2019.
IthasallbecomepossibleduetoFourera’sworkingyears (18),herexperienceswithinCOMINAK,ORANO MININGGroup.Herexperiencestartedatthelevelofthe industrialsiteofexploitationinARLIT(NIGER),which continuedattheleveloftheseatofORANO(AREVAEx) inParis-La-Défense,toendintheofficeofCOMINAK, ORANOMininginNiameyinNIGER.Thisbackground allowedhertobechosenin2020,among100theMOST INFLUENTIALWOMENOFTHEWORLDMINING SECTORbyWOMENINMININGUK.
IntheopinionofFourera,today,womenareattheheartof discussionsofstandardsandlawsintheminingandoil sectors,whichhavetheplanetaryscale.Itisbecauseatfirst fortheirminority,thentheirpositionisnon-strategicthat makesthemvulnerabletargetsinthesector.Itisimportant tobeabletolistentothemfinallyandconsidertheir concerns.
Anenvironmentofsoundworkonthehumandrawingis importantforFourerabecausecontact,correlationwith otherpeopleestablishawealthtothemselves.Itis primordialtosucceedworkandtogivepositiveresults withinthecompany.TheequationwhichdefinesFourerais: SoundEnvironment+StimulatingWork=Putsonpayroll Boostedandcommitted
Oneputsonpayrollboostwillmovemountainsforits companytobringittothetop.Positiveworkingcultureis implementedhasfaultimplication,consideration, confidence,andcommunication.Theseelementsestablish inthebarometerofevaluationofthepositivecultureofthe companythemselves.InthiswayFoureravaluespositive workenvironment.
Foureramentionsthatinternationaloperatorwasrecognized inthefieldofnuclearmaterial.Oranobringssolutionsto thecurrentandfuturechallenges,inenergyandhealth.Its expertiseaswellasitscontrolofhightechnologiesallow Oranotoproposetoitscustomersofproductsandhigh value-addedservicesonthewholefuelcycle.Shesays, “Thanks to their skills, their requirement as regards safety and their constant search for innovation, all the 16 500 employees of the group make a commitment to develop know-how of processing and of control of nuclear material, for climate, for health and for thrifty world in resources, today and tomorrow.”
Talkingaboutgivingbacktothecommunity,Fourera mentionsthatbeyondindustrialactivities,themining companiesandOranoinvesteddozensofbillionFCFAto improvethehealthofpopulations,theschoolingofthe children,theaccesstothewaterandtheeconomic developmentofthemunicipalitiesofthesitesof implementationoftheminingsites.OranofinancesIrhazer
projectsoinNigeratthelevelof17millioneuroswitha viewtocontributingtothelong-lastingfoodsafetyof populationsbydevelopingsystemsofirrigationinthedust bowlsoftheregionofAgadez.Thissupportlastssince aboutfortyyears,andvoluntarywayismade.Sincethe adventofRSEandoftheSustainabledevelopment,this supportbecamedefinite.
ForFourera’sshare,theconsiderationandsearchesfor adequatesolutionsandadaptedtothelocalcontextareher contributiontothedevelopmentofthecommunitytotake upquotedknownchallenges.
Ifgivenachancetobringonechange,shewillmakesure thatvoicesofthewomenarepreponderantindecisionsof retrocessionsoftheincomesofminingandoilexploitation, becausetheyestablishthemajoritycommunitywith inevitablythechildren.Changewillbealsovisibleand considerableatduelevelcountryaspartofdevelopment.It iscurrentlyoneofhermainmissionswithinstructuresthe destiniesofwhichshegoverns.
Tobuddingwomenentrepreneursinthemining,oiland energyindustry,shegivesfourpiecesofadvice:
Donotreinventthewheel, Applytheexistentbestpracticetoimproveandadapttothe context
Havecourage,willandcommitment Believeinyourcapacities
Thereissomuchasaleader,Fourerafocusesherenergyat thelevelofprofitandofprofitsoftheincomesofthe activitiesofthewomenintheextractivesectorespecially miningsmallbusinesssector
Before2026,Fourerawouldliketosee:
Womeninjobsofhighresponsibility(Managing
director,CEO,…)
Thewomenofthesectorpassofacraftminingtoa
semiindustrialminingorevenindustrialandthese exploitationsaremanagedandbelongingtotheWomen!
Settingtheglobal standard,Oranoisamajor playerinnuclearfuelcycle productsandservices, fromminingto dismantling,conversion, enrichment,recycling, logisticsandengineering. With16,000employees worldwide,theGroupis committedtogiving nuclearenergyitsfull value.
Miningsector,beinglargelyaman’sdomain,has graduallystartedwitnessingthemarksofwomen intheindustry.Bysteppingintothemining industry,womenhavechangedthewaytheindustrymoves forward,whileinspiringotherwomentobeapartofthis demandingindustry.Withtheirempatheticapproachand freshpointsofview,amongotherkeydifferentiators,they arebringingadrastictransformationintheminingindustry. OnesuchwomaninminingisJacquelineMadsen, TechnicalTrainingConsultantatCaterpillarInc.,the world’sleadingmanufacturerofconstructionandmining equipment,dieselandnaturalgasengines,industrialgas turbines,anddiesel-electriclocomotives.
JacquelinehasadiversebackgroundasanElectrical Engineer,ProjectManager,AutonomousHaulage Specialist,Trainer,DivemasterandLifeandMindset Coach.Sheispassionateaboutproblemsolving,identifying waystodothingssafer,moreeffectively,moreefficiently. Sheisknownforenablingandencouragingpeopleto‘have ago’,discussingtheirexistingexecutionstrategies,then workingwiththemtothinkdifferentlyabouthowtheycan achievetheirobjectives.
OverherthreeyearsatCaterpillar,Jacquelinehasbeen privilegedtoconnectwithandleadagreatnumberof Caterpillarandcustomerteammembers.Havingworked acrossthefirstfourautonomoussitesinAustralia,shehas beenexposedtovariedleadershipstylesandlearning experiences.Theseexperienceshavehelpedshapethe leadersheisbecoming.WhileonsitessheledCaterpillar andcustomerteamsinastep-upcapacity,ensuring everyonefeltheardandconnectedtogethertoachieve optimumresults.
Inhercurrenttrainingrole,sheseekstoensurethatshe createsaninclusive,openenvironmentwhereteamsfeel comfortabletoaskquestionsandpushtheirlimits.She focusesonleadingnewrecruits,networkingacross Caterpillarteamsbetweensitesandconnectingpeopleto whotheyneedtotalktoonissuesthatarise.Forher, leadershipisaboutunlockingopportunitiesandsupporting peopletothrive.
We,at Insights Success,interviewedJacquelinetounveil herleadershipjourneyandhercontributiontothemining industrythroughCaterpillarInc.
Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:
Beingabusinessprofessional,whatisyouropinion regardingtheimpactoftheCOVID-19pandemiconthe Mining&MachineryIndustry?Andhowhas CaterpillarInc.managedtoovercomethissignificant challenge?
TheminingindustryinAustraliatookquickactionto controlthespreadofCOVID-19toFIFOsites.Therewasa fastchangeinthewayweflew,thewayweworked,andthe wayweliveduponsites.Theresponsetothepandemic fromAustralia’sbigminingcompanieswasadmirable.
AsCaterpillarisamulti-industryglobalcompany,some industrieswerehitharderthanothers.Thecompanybanded togetherandallemployeesmadesacrificestohelpthe companysupportthoseindustries.
Theminingindustryhasseenthisasanopportunityto propelcompaniestowardsautomatedsolutionssooner The
biggestchallengeIseenowintheindustryiskeepingup withthisdemand–findingtherightpeopleforthejoband upskillingthemtosupportsites.Customersandservice providersalikearefindingthissamechallengeinfinding thepeopletorunthesystem,andtoretainexistingtalent.
Whatisyourthoughtonthenecessityofapositivework culture?Inwhatwaysdoyouimplementitatyour organization?
Apositiveworkcultureisessentialtoacompany’ssuccess. Wehirepeoplebecauseofwhatweseetheycanbringto thecompany.Weneedtothenenablethemtobethemselves andbringtheirbestselvestothejob.Bybringingpositivity andasenseofplayintotheworkplacewepromoteaculture wherepeoplewanttocometowork,whichinturnleadsto betteroutcomesforthecompany.I’veseenthroughoutthe industrythathighmoraleandstronginterpersonal relationshipsintheworkplaceleadtoimproved performanceacrossallareas,includingefficiencyand safety.
WhattrutheveryoneneedstoknowaboutMining industrymakingitsaferandmoreefficientforpeople& theplanet?
Fresheyesandfreshperspectivesareimportant.Weneedto bebringinginpeoplewithdiverseexperiencesthatcan breakthemoldofhowwecurrentlydothings.Weneedto beconstantlyasking‘why’andcreatinganenvironment whereit’soktodoso.Iamakeenenvironmentalistand safetyadvocateworkingintheminingindustry,soIam alwayslookingforwayswecanoperatemoresafely,more efficiently,andmoreenvironmentallyconsciously
InwhatwayshaveyouorCaterpillarInc.contributed tothecommunity?
Caterpillarasaglobalcompanydoesalotofvolunteer workindifferentregions.Inamoreindirectway, Caterpillarisalsohelpingthecommunityreimaginewhatis
possible,andprepareforanincreasinglyautomatedfuture. Byintroducingautonomousminingtrucksincontrolled environmentsonminesites,itisslowlynormalizingthe ideafortherestoftheworld.Asautonomousmachines becomeincreasinglycommon,weareexperiencing, learningandsharingthoselearningstoimprovesafetyand efficiencyinhowweinteractwiththemachinesandthe worldaroundus.Thissharingoflearningsiscritical.
Intermsofmypersonalcommunitywork-myprimary focuscurrentlyisondevelopingandleadingthementoring streamofRYLAOceania2022.RYLA(RotaryYouth LeadershipAward)programsareanamazingopportunity foryoungleadersfromthecommunitytocometogether andworkonProfessionalandPersonalDevelopmentina funandinteractivewaythathasahugeimpacton participantsextendingwellbeyondthelengthofthe program.
TheRYLAOceaniaprogrambringstogetheralumniofthe districtlevelRYLAprogramsacrossAustralia,New ZealandandtheSouthPacificIslandstofurtheraccelerate skilldevelopmentandbuildevenstrongernetworks.Iwasa participantintheinauguralprogramin2020andsoam thrilledtohavethisopportunitywithapassionate,talented, diverseteamtocontributetoitscontinuationandimpactin thebroadercommunity
Whereareyoufocusingyourenergynow,andwheredo youhopetomakeanimpactnext?Whatisyourvision forCaterpillarInc.forthenextfiveyears? AtthemomentI’mfocusingonsettingupCaterpillartobe readyforupcominginfluxoftrainees–bothinternaland
external.Thereisalottolearnintheautonomousmining space,andamistakebyoneindividualatthisstagehasthe potentialtosetthewholeindustryback5years.
Fortunately,Caterpillar’sdevelopmentandoperations teamsareworkingtogetherwithcustomerstoensurethe productstaysaheadofpotentialincidents,withan impressivezeroLostTimeInjuriestodate–ahugefeatin theminingindustry
Inthenext5yearsIlookforwardtoCaterpillarcontinuing toadapthowtheydobusiness,upskillpeople,andlead innovation.Therearelotsofexcitingproductsintheworks whichhavethepotentialtoradicallyalterhowmining operationsrun.It’sexcitingtobeapartofit.
Whatwouldbeyouradviceforaspiringandemerging womenintheMiningIndustry?
Giveeverythingago!Pushyourcomfortzone.Don’tbe afraidofwhatlookslikeastepbackwards,itmayhave potentialtoslingshotyouforward.Createyourown opportunitiestolearnandseenewthings–thereissomuch outtheretoexperience.
Playingsmallwill neverachievebig results.Support peopletobring theirbestselvesto workandwatch themcreatereal change. “
“
Asaninspirationtomanypeopleinthemining industry,JeannetteMcGillisthatleaderwho possessesagreatdealofknowledgeaboutthe miningindustrywithanopen-mindedviewontheworldas awhole.Jeannetteisahighlyskilledgeologistandmineral economistwhocompetentlyhandlesawiderangeof assessments,beingtheVicePresident&GM,Metals& MiningforAspenTechnologywithprecision,detail,and judgement.Herachievementshaverevolutionizedmining andwomeninminingaroundtheworld.Sheisadeep thinkeralwayswillingtoshareherknowledgewithothers, andpragmaticallycontributestoeverydiscussion.
JeannetterecentlyjoinedAspenTechnologytoadvancethe company’sbusinessstrategyinthemetalsandmining sectorandhelpcompaniesaccessAspen-Tech’sbest-inclassassetoptimizationsoftware.Asarespectedindustry innovator,shebeganhercareerasageologistworkingin variousfieldroles,andcontributingtothefirst3D geologicalmodels,forbothAnglovaalandAngloGold AshantiinSouthAfrica.Mostrecently,Jeannettewasat Telstrawhereshespearheadedthelast-mileoftelecom capabilities,providingrobustmissioncritical communicationswithinproductionmines,whichiscritical forthedigitaltransformationinitiativesforthosecustomers. PriortoTelstra,JeannettewasHeadofTechnologyand InnovationforthePlatinumdivisionofAngloAmerican, whereshewasresponsibleforcreatingIPandinnovative solutionsforthedivision,includingacombinationof hardware,software,andservices.
WhileattheCouncilforScientificandIndustrialResearch inSouthAfricaJeannettewassponsoredtopursueher secondmaster’sdegreeandPh.D.inColorado.Whenshe graduated,andreturnedtoSouthAfricashewaspromoted toleadtheCentreforMiningInnovation-apublic/private organizationtopromoteinnovationintheminingindustry withinSouthAfrica.
AmongJeannette’snumerousachievementsarebecoming thesecondwomantobeissuedanundergroundblasting certificateinOrangeFreeState,SouthAfricaandonlythe th4 femalePresidentofthe125yearoldGeologicalSociety ofSouthAfrica.Committedtolife-longlearning,Jeannette holdsaPh.D.inEconomicGeologyandanM.S.inMineral EconomicsfromtheColoradoSchoolofMines,USA;an M.Sc.inEarthSciencePracticeandManagementfromthe
UniversityofPretoria,SouthAfrica;aB.Sc.Honorsfrom RhodesUniversity,SouthAfrica,andaB.Sc.fromthe UniversityofPortElizabeth,SouthAfrica.
Talkingaboutpositiveworkculture,Jeannettesaysthat positiveworkculturesunderpinallhighperformingteams andorganizationsandcanbedevelopedandconversely, eroded,insomanyways.Sheopinesthatinadriveto supportgreaterwork-lifebalance,theneedtovalueeach employee’sindividualneedsiscritical.Atthesametime,a positivecultureneedstosupportrigorousconversationand debatethatensurestheforwardprogressionofthecompany
AtAspenTech,thedrivingforcebehindthecompany’s successhasalwaysbeenitspeople,allofwhomsharethe qualitiesofpassion,prideandaspiration.Theyallcarrya passiontomakeadifference,prideinthevaluetheybring toAspenTechcustomersandtheresultingimpactthose customershaveontheworld,andaspirationtokeep pushingtheenvelope,overcomingallhurdles,and challengingthestatusquotocontinuallyfindabetterway
Digitaltransformationcanmeanmanythingstoeveryone. Intheminingsector,movinghandwrittenformstoan onlinecapturesystemarealmostmorethansomeoperators
haveinspired
to
and
canhandle;whileattheoppositeendofthespectrum remoteoperatingcenter’sthatsupportfleetfunctioning hundredsofkmawayremainintegraltomodernoperations. Jeannettebelievesthateveryorganizationhasan opportunitytoassesstheirprocessesandworkflowsand understandwhatresourcesuitabilityandimprovementis possiblebyincorporatingdigitaladoptionstrategies.Being abletoleveragedigitalizationandbigdatatosolve problems,andmaintainsafety,isfundamentaltosuccess. Forprofitablemines,productionavailabilityisparamount. Asweallknowadowntimeincidentcanresultinmissing productiontargets,losttonnage,potentialsafetyrisks,and more.
IntheopinionofJeannette,whenitcomestounplanned equipmentdowntime,thereisvalueinbeingabletoapply digitalizationtechnologiestopredictpotentialequipment failuresinadvanceandreceiveinsightstohelpguidethe investigationofwhathasgonewrong.
UpontheimpactofpandemicJeannettementionsthatthe globalpandemichascreatedastructuralbreakandan
increasedrelianceontechnology.Priortothepandemic, organizationsandindividualsknewwhatwaspossiblebut lackedthedrivingforceforadoption. She says, “Consider how many people adjusted to online shopping during the pandemic, becoming more comfortable with that channel out of necessity. The impact on the mining market is similar where a mobile global and regional workforce can no longer service remote operations. Remote monitoring, sensors and AI have come into their own due to the impact on technology the pandemic has provided.”
AccordingtoJeannette,theorganizationfabricthat supportsmetalsandmininggloballyishighlyintegrated. Thereisaneedforsynergiestobeleveragedforgreater impactasopposedtoindividualcompetitivesilos. Sheprovidesthatthefuturewillbemoreopenand collaborativearoundsharedobjectives.Atthesametimeis ensuringshareholdergrowthandfinancialsustainability. Shebelievesthatdevelopingthestrategyforanewindustry verticalrequiresthoroughlandscapemapping,andthus,it requiresnotonlyundertakingthecurrentandfuture prognosisforallroleplayers,butalsobalancingtheneedto simplycreatefocusandimpact.
Theminingsectorhasbeenexceptionallygeneroustoher career Thisisanacknowledgementthathardworkis requiredandtheresiliencetospendsometimeonthe workingface.Itisherproductiontimeandtherespect earnedfromcompletingthenecessaryshiftstobeissueda blastingcertificatethathascreatedthespringboardforthe restofhercareer.Therefore,shebelievesthatwomen aspiringtoenterthesectorshouldfindanopportunityto gaintechnicalexperienceandunderstanding,says Jeannette.
Ivaluetheimportanceof givingeveryoneaseatat thetable;butamnot scaredtodrawlines wheretheyarerequired.
‘‘ ‘‘
FromaMineGeologisttoaGeneralManagerat EvolutionMining,KirstyLiddicoat’sprofessional journeyhasbeenfullofundulatingmoments,hard work,anddedication.Kirstyisaskilledmining professionalwholeadsbyexample.Sheensuresthesmooth runningoftheminingoperationsformorethan17years.In addition,sheisalsopastchairoftheAustralianInstituteof MiningandMetallurgyWomeninMininggroupthat focusesontheattractionandretentionofwomeninthe miningindustry
We,atInsightsSuccess,caughtupwithKirstytounveilher inspiringjourney,herleadershipapproach,andher contributiontotheminingindustry.
NaturalAbilitytoLeadSafely KirstyismanagingEvolutionMining’sRedLake OperationsinOntario,Canada.HeraspirationasGeneral ManagerfortheRedLakeGoldMineistocontinueto strengthenherteam’swayofthinkingwhenitcomesto safety,culture,andinnovation.Safetyisoneofthe company’scorevalues,theothersbeingRespect, Accountability,andExcellence.TheteamatEvolutionlives bythesevalueseveryday.
TheRedLakeGoldMinehasbeenaroundsincethe1950s. Ithasgonethroughseveralownershipchanges,thus makingitachallengetofeelasenseofsecurityand community.Kirstyhopestochangethemindsetofthe safetyculturebyencouragingpeopletoreportandspeak outaboutunsafepracticesandberewardedratherthan reprimanded.EvolutionMininghasalreadyseenahuge impactonhowthishasimprovedthesafetycultureatthe RedLakeMineandisbringingeveryonetogethertowork safely
Kirstystronglybelievesinaculturethatdrivessafetyand productivity.Herteam’sabilitytodothejobstartswitha positiveworkculture.Throughactivecoachingandpositive leadershipbehaviors,shedrivesaculturewherepeoplefeel accepted,included,andempowered.AtRedLake,Kirsty hasstartedcreatingavisionforthesiteandlinkingthe visiontothecompany’scultureandobjectives.Herteam usesthisasthebasetoimplementitstransformational journey,andKirstyisreallyexcitedbytheenergy, engagement,andsuccesstheyhavehadoverthelast12 months.
Miningsuppliestherawmaterialstosupporttheeconomy andtodrivetheWorldforward.Theindustryisleading research,innovation,andenergyreductiontolightenthe loadonfossilfuels.AtEvolutionMining,Kirstyandher teamarecurrentlyworkingonseveralprojectstotarget emissionreductions,includingelectricfleettransitionsand batterystorage.EvolutionMiningiscommittedtoreducing greenhousegasemissionsby30%by2030(Scope1and2 fromanFY20baseline)andachievingnet-zeroemissions by2050orearlier.
KirstyopinesthattheCOVID-19hasbroughtseveral challengestotheMining&MetalsIndustryhereatthe EvolutionGoldMineinRedLake.Whilethepandemichas impactedeveryoneinthecommunity,itspriorityisalways keepingitspeoplesafe.
OneofthegreatestchallengesEvolutionMiningfacedhas beenthelackofsupplyofcriticalitemsandinfrastructure, especiallybeinginsucharemotelocationinCanada.This hasincreaseddelaysinreceivingitemsandthushasslowed downtheprogressionofprojectsthroughoutCOVID.
Additionally,duetothepandemic,withtraveloutsideofthe countryorevenoutsideofthedistrictrestricted,theability toaccesstheglobalnetworktalentpoolhasbeena challenge.Theorganizationhadtodependoninternet serviceandwebcamstoallowface-to-faceinteractions.
However,Evolutionmininghasbeenveryfortunateinthe miningindustrytocontinuetoworkandworkfromhome wherenecessary.Thishashelpedreducetheimpactonthe localcommunitybystillsupportingjobswithinRedLake. Thecompanyhasalsosupportedandpromotedthe economicwelfareoflocalRedLakegroupsandbusinesses throughworkingalongsidethemandrewardingrecognized employeeswithgiftcardsforbusinessesinthelocal community.AsEvolutionMiningisawareoftheimpacton mentalhealththroughoutCOVID,ithasdoneitsbestto reducetheimpactbyprovidingservicesfortheemployees withtheOccupationalHealthNurseonSiteandtheir familiesthroughtheEFAP(EmployeeFamilyAssistance Program).
Whenitcomestogivingbacktothecommunity,Evolution MininggivespreferencetorecruitlocalsatRedLakeand
supportthedevelopmentofthetown.Itprovides scholarshipswithinthelocalcommunityaroundeducation, environment,arts,cultureandrecreation,economic development,diversity,health,andCOVIDrecovery Along withscholarships,thecompanyalsoprovidespartnerships withitsFirstNationsGroupsandisanallyforthePride community.
EnlighteningtheYoungerOnes Kirstymentionsthatifshecouldchangeanythinginthe miningindustry,itwouldbetointegratecurrentpractices withtechnologytomakeherfootprintinthecommunity onewithlong-termsustainability.Currently,herfocusison transformingtheRedLakeoperationthroughpracticesand innovationtocementtheplaceasacornerstoneassetfor EvolutionMining.Hergoalistobeanemployerofchoice inCanada,andforthepeople’stimewithEvolutionto highlighttheircareers.
Inheradvicetoemergingwomenentrepreneursinthe miningindustry,shesays,“Takeeveryopportunityoffered, eveniftheyareoutsideofyourcomfortzone,theyarethe onesthatgrowandstretchyouthemost.”
Thefocusof EvolutionMiningis onoperatingits projectssafelyand efficientlyand developingthemto theirfullpotential.
‘‘ ‘‘
Madera ChiefEngineer
PuebloViejo
ininghastraditionallybeenamale-dominated industry.Toincreasediversityandunlockthe truepotentialofhumantalent,mining companiesshouldbecommittedtohelpingincreasethe numberofwomennotonlyontheirminesandwider industry,butalsotohelpupskillandeconomically empowerwomenthroughouttheircommunitiesofinterest.
Thisisthecriticalforanysustainabilitystrategythatany stcompanyputinplaceinthe21 century.AtBarrick,which missionistobetheworld’smostvaluedgoldmining businessbyfinding,developing,andowningthebestassets, withthebestpeople,todeliversustainablereturnsforour ownersandpartners,thisisnottheexception.Whenthey refertothebestpeople,theytalkaboutmenandwomen, equally ThisisparticularlyimportantasoneoftheUnited NationsSustainableDevelopmentGoals,motivatesto people,companies,andnationstocreateenvironmentswith genderequality.
AtallsitesofBarrick,therearemanytalentedwomenwho areleadingthewaytoamorediverseandinclusivemining industry SorayaMadera,whoisChiefEngineerat BarrickPuebloViejo,intheDominicanRepublic,isone ofthem.
Soraya’sroleistoleadtheengineeringteamfocusedon ensuringminedevelopmentandsustainability.Shebelieves thatoverseeingtheshorttermandthelong-termfutureof theminehelpstomaketherightdecisionsontimetoallow theunlockingofthetruepotentialofthebusiness.
PuebloViejoislocatedintheDominicanRepublic, approximately100kilometersnorthwestofthecapitalcity ofSantoDomingo,andisoperatedbythePuebloViejo DominicanaCorporation,ajointventurebetweenBarrick (60%)andNewmont(40%). Thecompany'sworkforceis 97%Dominican,whose16%isfemale.Atthebeginningof thisyear,theconversiontonaturalgasofQuisqueya1,the powerplantthatsuppliesthemine,wassuccessfully
commissioned.Thiswillreducegreenhousegasesby30% andnitrogenoxideby85%,furtherreducingPuebloViejo's impactontheenvironment.
InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,SorayaMadera sharesaboutherjourneyandabouthercontributiontothe miningindustrythroughBarrickPuebloViejo.
Below are the highlights of the Interview:
BeingaChiefEngineer,whatisyouropinionregarding theimpactoftheCOVID-19pandemicontheMining& MetalsIndustry?AndhowhasBarrickmanagedto overcomethissignificantchallenge?
Covid-19hasforcedtheminingindustrytoreinventitself. Fromreviewingthedifferentresponsibilitiesandjobs withintheoperationsanddevelopingnewwaysofworking togetherandbeingsafe;togoevenfurtherinour optimizationsandinnovationplanstoensurethatthe industrycontinuestodelivervalue.
BarrickSafety-firstculturehashelpedustoeffectivelyand rapidlyimplementnewprotocolsthatensuredbusiness continuity ActingfastandagilehashelpedBarrickto delivertheplanevenwiththeimpactofthepandemic, ensuringasafeandproductiveenvironment.
Whatisyourthoughtonthenecessityofapositivework culture?Inwhatwaysdoyouimplementitatyour organization?
Itisinourvalues.Apositiveworkcultureisnecessaryto ensureownershipamongtheemployees.
Inmyrole,Imakesuretopromotethecompanyvalues withpropercollaborationandcommunication.Thebig challengeishowtheworldissoconnectedrightnowand thedifferentculturesareworkingtogether Withthis,the focusisonmakingsurethepositiveenvironmentis maintainedwithrespecttothepeople,theirculture,and beliefs.
WhattrutheveryoneneedstoknowaboutMining industrymakingitsaferandmoreefficientforpeople andtheplanet?
Continuousimprovementandconstantchangearetheway togoinMining.Ibelievetherearestillpeoplethatsee miningwiththeeyesinthepast.Theminesectorhas evolvedinawaywerethesafetyandwell-beingofpeople andtheplanetisthepriorityandthatisastrong responsibilityofeachpersonwhoworksatourmine.This ensuressustainabilityofthebusiness,andisproventhat youcanbesafe,takecareoftheenvironmentand continuouslydelivervalue.
InwhatwayshaveyouorBarrickcontributedtothe community?Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyou bringinsubstantialproductivityofMining?
Oneofourcorevaluesistoearnoursociallicensebybeing avaluememberofourhostcommunities.Wehaveteams dedicatedtothesupportanddevelopmentofthe communities,bylistening,understandingtheneeds,and creatingplanstohelpfulfillthem,wedriveourbusiness withthecommunitiesbybeingapartnerandkey Stakeholder
Whereareyoufocusingyourenergynow,andwheredo youhopetomakeanimpactnext?Whatisyourvision forBarrickforthenextfiveyears?
MyfocusisthePuebloViejoexpansionproject.This expansionwillbringsubstantialvaluetoallour stakeholdersbyextendingthelifeofthemineandthe potentialtoincreaseourreserves. Also,indevelopingthe teamtoprepareforthefuture.Therearenewgenerations comingintotheminingindustrythathasthecapacityto reinventthebusinesswithgreatideas.
Myvisionisthatwehavethepotentialtobecomethemost valuableminingcompany Thisthroughempoweringthe partnershipwithourhostcountriestostrengthenandsustain theminingindustry.
Whatwouldbeyouradviceforaspiringandemerging womenentrepreneursintheMiningIndustry?
Visualizeacareerpathandworkitwithpassion.Inmy opinion,itisimportanttofocusonprofessional developmentbutalsotoactwithownershipandintegrity.I havebeenpartofBarrickPuebloViejoformorethana decadeandlookingbacktomyfirstyears,Icansaythat dedication,teamwork,listening,determination,and prioritizingbusinessneedshavebeenkeyinmyjourney.
“Theminesector hasevolvedina waywerethesafety andwell-beingof peopleandthe planetisthepriority andthatisastrong responsibilityof eachpersonwho worksatourmine.
Thisensures sustainabilityofthe business,andis proventhatyoucan besafe,takecareof theenvironment andcontinuously delivervalue.”