Modern Mining August 2022

key industry departments, such as human resources departments, are channelled to adjust their recruit ment agendas. According to Adonisi-Kgame, the industry is certainly doing more to attract women to the sec tor, including addressing women’s safety issues as related to working underground, such as ensuring that women have work buddies when working below surface, that mining equipment and workwear (PPE) such as fitted vests and shoes are designed to suit to the female form and that underground areas are well lit. The Minerals Council South Africa has devel oped a white paper focused on streamlining industry strategies to advance women in mining. It aims to do this by encouraging female representation in the industry and to drive decisions that are in the best interests of women. In this regard, the Minerals Council and equip ment manufacturers worked together to identify aspects of equipment and workwear that needed to change in order to be work-appropriate for women. These include the cut and sizing of overalls; the size and fit of helmets, goggles and earplugs, and the siz ing and proportions of boots and gloves. Further to this, advancements in technology con tinue to play a key role in attracting women to the sector as heavy equipment, which was a physical barrier for women, particularly drilling equipment, is increasingly being automated for ease of use. “As mining becomes more mechanised, physical strength and stamina are becoming less important than fine motor skills, dexterity and problem-solving abilities. This shift will create significant opportunities for women in the industry,” says Adonisi-Kgame. The move to greater gender equity has seen more women take up key leadership positions including:

 Nolitha Fakude –Minerals Council South Africa’s first female president  Nombasa Tsengwa – CEO Designate, Exxaro Resources  Mpumi Zikalala – CEO, Kumba Iron Ore  Zanele Matlala – CEO, Merafe Resource  Natascha Viljoen – CEO, Anglo American Platinum 

Advancements in technology continue to play a key role in attracting women to the sector.

Mineral Council South Africa white paper focus  Promoting gender diversity and inclusion at all levels.  Helping women attain their full potential and to close the gender pay gap.  Develop policies and programmes that advance and protect women, including policies on gender-based violence, sexual harassment and alter native placements during pregnancy.  Adapt workplaces to accommodate women, including ablution facilities, lockable toilets, changing rooms, and childcare and lactation rooms.  Improving safety measures.  Recognise and adjust for the different physical capacities of women.

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