WIM UK Foreword

WOMEN IN MINING UK FOREWORD

Carole Cable

Chair

For the world to transition to a low carbon economy, we will need six times more mineral inputs in 2040 to achieve net-zero emissions globally by 2050. The mining sector plays a vital role in the supply of these critical metals which will be needed to decarbonise and electrify as we move from fossil fuels to wind and solar power generation, battery and fuel cell-based electric vehicles, and hydrogen production. Dr. Stacy Hope At the heart of delivering this, are people. Managing Director Women in Mining UK (WIM UK) is delighted to present the fifth edition of the “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” (WIM100). This year’s cohort is a reminder that, despite the global tensions caused by the likes of geopolitical conflict and the growing realisation that the world is not equipped to meet net-zero targets by 2050, the future workforce and their abilities to demonstrate diverse perspectives and skillsets are paramount to future-proofing the industry and global decarbonisation efforts. There is little debate that diversity improves organisational performance, creativity, innovation and profit. Yet globally women’s participation in mining is still less than 14% of the total workforce. Recent research by the ICMM showed that mining will increasingly need more human skills to enable us to deal with the social complexities of mine development, and it also showed that the industry is competing for skills outside the traditional talent pool, such as digital skills. Only by removing systemic barriers, introducing new systems to allow diversity, equity and inclusion, and championing the amazing women in the sector, will we be able to attract and retain a diverse workforce. The WIM100 publication was established to champion these women and this is the fifth time we celebrate another cohort of 100 inspirational women in the industry from around the world. The WIM100 are part of the driving thesis that women are integral to a sustainable and just future, and that, now more than ever, we need to give them visibility and continue to support them in their journey. This year’s WIM100 cohort shows the diversity of roles and backgrounds – from policy and energy, to teaching, sustainability and people officers, as well as the innovation and technical roles so needed to deliver the minerals the world needs for the energy transition. Their stories are inspirational, and it is our collective responsibility to talk about them and share them far and wide so that we all may play an active role in changing the perception and the reality of mining. People are at the heart of change, and within the mining sector that change must be driven by a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We are pleased that this has also been recognised by our partners, BMO Capital Markets, Heidrick & Struggles and BCG (Boston Consulting Group), who have once again supported the WIM100, as we work hand-in-hand to attract and retain diversity in the sector. A big thank you for your continued support. Congratulations to the 2022 WIM100 and thank you for sharing your stories – you continue to inspire us all to bring our whole selves to work and to change mining for the better. The coming years will not be without challenges as we respond to decarbonisation, so we must think differently and put diversity and people at the heart of everything we do.

Carole and Stacy