Inclusion of Women in Mining Synonymous With Progress: AIMMGM

On International Women’s Day, commemorated on March 8, the head of a key Mexican mining association recognized the constant growth of the number of women participating in the industry. According to numbers from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), more than 66,000 women are employed in the mining sector in the country, forming 16.3% of the workforce.

Luis Humberto Vázquez San Miguel, President, the Mexican Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists (AIMMGM), said that the presence of women in the sector is synonymous with evolution and growth in the sector: “Much like we cannot imagine an extractive industry without technology, we could not be recognized as a modern, efficient and responsible industry without the participation of women.”  

IMSS highlighted that the number of women entering mining engineering, metallurgy and geology bachelor degrees is increasing, and so is their presence in the production environment as women begin to lead mining operations. 

From the total of women participating in the industry, where salaries are 37% higher than the national average, 10% have leading positions and 14% have managerial positions, which is why promoting the inclusion of women in all levels and areas of the industry remains relevant. 

Furthermore, Vázquez celebrated that female partners of the association, with leadership positions in important mining companies and suppliers, also form part of AIMMGM’s National Council. In addition, he stressed the association’s close ties with Women in Mining (WIM) Mexico. 

WIM Mexico was founded in the mining industry in 2016 as a subsidiary of the Women in Mining International organization, which is based in England and is present in more than 50 countries. Its corporate purpose is to promote gender equity in the mining sector and sustainable mining. WIM Mexico is present in 11 states: Chihuahua, Mexico City, Coahuila, Durango, State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora and Zacatecas.

Euridice González, Founder, WIM Mexico says that in general, men earn seven times more than women at the entry-level and 17% more in executive positions in mining. Some positive balances from recent years at the organizational level show that 50% of companies consider diversity in the Top 10 of their strategic agendas as greater diversity may increase their profitability by 25%. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to achieve equity and a more even playing field.