BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
The mining industry has long been recognized as a male-dominated field, with women historically underrepresented in various roles. However, as we move towards a more inclusive and equitable society, it is crucial to recognize the importance of empowering women in the mining industry and creating an enabling environment that motivates and encourages their success.
On International Day of Women in Mining, June 15, Glencore Ferroalloys hosted a Women in Mining (WIM) conference under the theme ‘We work for our success’. The event’s mission was to commemorate women and the vital role they play in the mining industry while advocating for gender equality. This event was a resounding success.
Representatives from Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Minerals Council South Africa, Mine Health and Safety Council, Glencore representatives from different operations including senior management, as well as legendary actress and businesswoman Sophie Ndaba were in attendance. The event focused on engaging in thought-provoking discourse that highlighted the need to prioritise women’s safety and well-being within the mining industry.
The conversations unpacked the challenges faced by women in mining such as, suitable PPE, the safety of women on the mines, mental health, as well as the threat of gender-based violence. To further bring these issues to light, the Minerals Council’s Deputy Safety & Sustainable Development Department Manager, Lerato Tsele, highlighted the Mine Health and Safety Act, which is currently under amendment.
The amendments will include guidelines that will make it mandatory for all mining organizations to comply with the Code of Good Practice with regards to making available differently designed PPE to accommodate the different body-types of women in mining.
“The mining industry currently employs 72 500 female mine workers, a great improvement from where it comes from. Despite this, there is still a long way to go. There is a huge focus and efforts to ensure gender equality in the workplace. Technology is utilized to assist with the heavy-load tasks in the workplace, which will ultimately improve safety and health,” said Tsele.
In May 2022, Glencore launched its WiM Forum, which is made up of committees from each of its nine operations. The Committees are mandated to come up with solutions for women’s safety and advocate for gender equality.
Glencore Ferroalloys Group Metallurgical Manager – Mining and WiM Forum Chairperson, Neo
Molelekeng, gave an overview of their performance and achievements within the last year in the following areas:
– PPE trials conducted for female employees, as PPE was originally designed to be unisex and more suited for a male physique
-Installation of portable hygienic flushable underground ablution facilities for women
-Provision of sanitary towels on site, a much-needed convenience for women particularly those working underground with long walking distances to their working areas.
– Initiatives to address gender-based violence including providing self-defense classes to women
and a study to investigate reliable panic buttons to be sourced for female employees.
– Mentorship and coaching for women
– WiM surveys conducted to gain understanding why female employees would stay and choose
Glencore Alloys as an employer of choice
“We exist because of the women in our organization. Our purpose is to create inclusive spaces to ensure we unlock the immense potential that women bring into the mining industry. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to witnessing the incredible journey of each and every woman playing their part to help revolutionize the industry for future women miners,” said Molelekeng.
Senior Health and Safety Inspector of Mines, Omphemetse Phefo from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), made it clear that her mandate is to ensure zero harm in the industry. She stated the importance of equipping and empowering women with the necessary resources to ensure that they are safe at all times regardless of their environment.
Sophie Ndaba encouraged the women to make use of the opportunities at their disposal and empower others.
“I am inspired everyday by women who work for their success, for there is no one who can do that for you besides yourself. Be encouraged and surround yourself with people whom you can learn from for they can help you grow. Grab on to knowledge and let it build and guide you on your way to the top,” she said.
The conference is set to be held annually as a key platform to track the progress of the WiM Forum’s mission and to fast-track inclusion safety for women in Glencore Ferroalloys.
Images: Supplied
