Why we need more women in mining

There has been an increase in the number of women in the mining and construction industries. While this is promising, more progress needs to be made. Globally, only 16 per cent of leadership roles in the mining, oil and gas industries are held by women. It reflects a broader Australian trend in which 91 per cent of CEOs are male, and many companies feature no women in executive leadership at all.

So, why is this issue important and how can it be addressed?

What is the issue?

The recent Diggers and Dealers conference in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, provided a clear snapshot of where the Australian mining industry is at. More than 2,500 mining delegates travelled to Kalgoorlie for the event.

However, of the more than 40 directors, chairs, and chief executives who spoke, only one was a woman. Rowena Smith, chief executive and managing director of Australian Strategic Materials (ASM), was the only woman to speak. However, she was pleased to see more women in attendance.

“Twenty years ago … there were [also] very few women in the audience,” she told the ABC.

“As I stood there on the stage on Monday, I was looking out into so many women’s faces.”

It’s part of a global trend where more women are getting into the mining industry but not reaching decision-making roles.

This “leaky pipeline” problem — where talent enters the industry but drops away before reaching the top — is a major barrier to achieving gender equality.

“The supply is there, and they’re getting to a certain point, but they’re not getting right up to the top,” equality advocate Catherine Fox told the ABC.

Why is it important to have more women in mining?

Experts say that it’s important to have women in leadership roles as they bring a fresh perspective.

PacGold non-executive chairman Caoilin Chestnutt says the influence women can have on the mining industry is significant.

“The value that women bring in terms of collaboration, mentorship, coaching, and creating a warm environment to work in where people thrive is something that is not always captured in KPIs — but it makes a huge difference,” she told mining.com.au.

Research indicates that having a gender-diverse workforce can help improve decision-making, enhance financial performance, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Studies in other industries have also shown that companies with more women in senior roles often outperform their peers on measures of innovation and long-term sustainability — benefits that could greatly strengthen mining’s future.

How can this be addressed?

Experts say the key to addressing this issue is improving the culture in the mining industry. Some say that, at present, women are being held to a higher standard than men. Women are often seen as higher-risk candidates, a perception that must change if progress is to be made.

Advocates say addressing gender equality shouldn’t be just up to women. They stress it’s critical that men understand the importance of gender diversity in construction and mining. Seeing more women in leadership roles will encourage men to embrace gender diversity in the mining industry.

Encouraging more women into leadership roles can help the mining industry unlock untapped potential and foster more inclusive workplaces. Change will take time, but every step counts towards a stronger, more diverse future for the sector.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your own career — whether in mining or another industry — Construction Resumes can help. We offer expert resume writing and cover letter services designed to showcase your skills and make you stand out to employers.

Article References

Mining.com.au (7 March 2025) ‘International Women’s Day: Shaping the future of mining leadership’, Mining.com.au, accessed 14 August 2025.

Turner, M & Da Silva, I (14 August 2025) ‘Women in mining say industry missing out on female leadership talent’, ABC News, accessed 14 August 2025.