Women's Participation in Mining Sector Set to Surge

The Mexican mining sector employs more than 72,088 women, 17% of whom hold positions on the boards of directors of companies, 10% hold executive positions, and 14% hold management positions, according to CAMIMEX. The figure is expected to increase significantly in the coming years due to the growing inclusion of women in the sector.

The CAMIMEX 2023 Annual Report reveals that women represent 17.3% of the total workforce in the sector, marking a 9.2% increase compared to 2021."Over time, it has been shown that gender does not matter when performing any function in mining. What matters is talent, skills, commitment, and responsibility. My first formal job was in a mine, where I have remained for more than 15 years, developing and demonstrating my commitment to the industry," said Hortencia Hernández, Human Resources Supervisor, Agnico Eagle Mexico, to Mineria en Linea.

Women's salaries in the metallic mining subsector are 76% higher than the national average for women. CAMIMEX stressed that the sector has been proactive in creating and implementing new models and policies in hiring procedures focusing on workers' abilities, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender. However, the chamber acknowledges that further progress is still needed.

“We are aware that there is still a long way to go but we have been advancing on multiple fronts, not only on environmental matters but also on social initiatives, such as promoting gender equality and creating more opportunities for women,”  Jaime Gutierrez, President, CAMIMEX, in an interview with MBN. 

CAMIMEX also emphasizes the importance of education in reducing the gender labor gap. The National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES) reports that women account for 38% of students in Earth Sciences programs, totaling 7,272 individuals. Specialists highlight an increase in the number of female graduates, from 38% in 2020 to 40% in 2022.