The Role of Women in Canadian Mining Adapted from Information by the Mining Association of Canada According to Canada’s Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), women have always had low representation in industries such as construction, manufacturing, mining, and quarrying. Although women represent 48% of Canada’s overall labor force, in the mining industry, the number is much lower at 15%. Getting more women into the mining sector has the potential to increase the industry’s access to Canada’s available talent. Progress has been made, but more can be done to attract and retain female workers. In 1987, the share of women in mining and quarrying was 6%, so the current statistic of 15% represents a significant improvement and it’s an encouraging sign for the industry as a whole. The most significant finding from MiHR’s research remains, the industry continues to struggle with underrepresentation of women, and this must change. Recognizing this fact, concerted efforts by the industry and government to attract and retain women for the mining industry are ongoing. MiHR’s Gender Equity in Mining Works (GEM Works) provides organizations with industry-developed tools to help eliminate gender barriers. Developed on the foundation of a previous research initiative, Strengthening Mining’s Talent Alloy: Exploring Gender Inclusion , the GEM Works program offers training to help establish Gender Champions and Change Agents within an organization and ultimately eliminate unintentional hurdles to gender inclusion found in dated policies, procedures, and practices. Confirmed by industry-leading labor market research, and funded through Employment and Social Development Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program and Women and Gender Equality Canada, the objective of GEM Works is to provide mining companies with tangible tools, training, and collaboration to increase the participation of women in the sector. Many mining companies in Canada have focused specifically on ensuring diversity and inclusion are being prioritized at the corporate and site levels. From holding unconscious bias training, to supporting educational initiatives aimed at increasing women in the sector, there is no question enhancing the role women play in the industry is a priority. Written resources highlighting what mining companies can do to enhance the inclusion of women in the sector have also been an industry focus. The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, an organization representing Canada’s junior mining sector, recently published Gender Diversity and Inclusion: A Guide for Explorers , which is designed as a guide for mining companies new to understanding issues and implementing efforts related to gender, diversity, and inclusion. hS f C yraurbeF CretniW retaWainigriV riV,grubskcireder fnoC&opxEgrubskcirederF F ld 1202,81-71 ecnereno noitaicossAlleW f ainig retneCecnere p00:5-ma00:11 a00:11-ma00:8 ht81,yadsruhT p00:6-mp00:2 p00:2-ma00:8 ht71,yadsendeW ffO esruoClanoitacudE m fkaerB&noitibihxE m asreziteppAyvaeH( tivitcA&noitibihxE m esruoClanoitacudE m ececnereno 5938783)408( i s tsa )raBhsaCdn sei s eu WA.www WAVofnI @ V .noitaicossAlleWreta noitaicossAlleWreta - :ec elbaliava sUEC8 gro gro. 60 DECEMBER 2020 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® MIN Photo courtesy of the Mining Industry Human Resource Council.
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