WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATIONO
www.awomeninmining.com
Pioneering a greater role for women in mining BME – Nadia Statham – Women in mining
C
hartered accountant Nadia Statham, who was recently appointed as Financial Director at Omnia Group company BME, is a trailblazer looking to see other women also succeed in mining.
“There are many fulfilling and exci�ng careers that women can pursue in mining – and these are only increasing as automa�on and digital technology are embraced as core pillars of mining’s evolu�on.” Despite only about 12% of mining employees being women, she is encouraged by the gender transforma�on she witnesses in day-to-day engagements with customers. In her experience, there are more women par�cipa�ng in business mee�ngs, making valuable contribu�ons to decisions and general opera�ons.
Reflec�ng on over a dozen years in mining to date, Statham admits that she found herself in mining quite unexpectedly – but found it both demanding and s�mula�ng. She had begun her career in audi�ng at one of the big four audit firms but grasped the opportunity when invited to join a listed mid�er mining group. There are also various organisa�ons – locally and globally “For me, advancing in a career is as much about your inquisi�veness – focused on promo�ng the role of and passion for the work, as it is women in mining, through about your qualifica�on,” she says. mentoring and other forms of “I found myself drawn to the support. technical and opera�onal aspects of mining, not just the financial. This broad interest in the ac�vi�es of the company and the broader industry helped me become and feel part of the team.” This was par�cularly significant for her progress in a male-dominated sector where many people s�ll have preconcep�ons about where women should fit in. She says the industry can s�ll be something of an ‘old boys’ club’ – but it is changing and opportuni�es for women are growing.
“Within our own business, we have certainly been able to engage women in a range of func�ons – from back-office administra�on to high-level scien�fic roles as well as core technical blas�ng du�es on mining sites,” she says. “There needs to be a clear transforma�on agenda to underpin this progress, and our company takes an ac�ve role as a change agent.”
In her role as Financial Director, she is looking forward to making more �me to mentor staff – which she regards as a fundamental way to unlock poten�al and foster personal and technical growth “It is important to realise that most within the business. roles in mining are no longer defined by the requirement for “Especially in today’s business physical strength,” says Statham. environment, it is vital that
21
everyone recognises both their individual value and their contribu�on to a team,” says Statham. “I am a firm believer in collabora�on and teamwork as well as driving accountability – a cornerstone of any successful career.” She is a proponent of balancing work and family and believes that women should be given the opportunity to be fulfilled inside and outside of the workplace. She also debunks the myth that women are not asser�ve enough for business, or do not empower other women. “We have plenty of role models in the sector where women successfully perform in demanding managerial and other roles,” she says. “I certainly see my role as including an even greater opportunity to mentor women in the organisa�on.” Statham has relished playing a pioneering role as the first woman in the boardroom in a number of her past roles, daun�ng as this was. It was grist to her professional growth, and she highlights that confidence is built from embracing challenges. “To women who are considering a future in mining, I would advise that they root themselves firmly in qualifica�ons and technical skills – as this founda�on allows women to take an asser�ve role in their work,” she says. “Be true to yourself and your poten�al, and never feel that you don’t have a right to express your opinion.”
Women in Mining Magazine • September 2021