Mexico's Mining Workforce Sees 84% Rise in Female Participation

Women now represent 17.9% of the total workforce in the mining sector, marking an 84% increase since 2012, according to data from IMSS. Currently, 74,529 women are employed in the mining industry in Mexico. 

Promoting equality and labor inclusion is not only a matter of fairness but also beneficial for businesses, as companies that prioritize gender equality tend to be more productive, says Rubén del Pozo Mendoza, President, AIMMGM. 

Labor inclusion is especially important given that mining operations are typically located in remote areas with limited accessibility, reports AIMMGM. In 2022, the industry reported a lack of environments suitable for the biological, social, and family needs of women, as mining operations often have only one bathroom. Other basic issues reported included the lack of uniform differentiation, maternity and paternity leave, and day care centers, among other issues, said Doris Vega, Vice President Mexico, WIM, in an interview with MBN .

AIMMGM highlights the growing role of women in both operational and administrative functions, with an increasing presence in leadership positions. Currently, Mariel Márquez Gutiérrez serves as a regional coordinator on the National Board of Directors, while Alba Elena Pérez Rodríguez and Lourdes González hold leadership positions as district presidents in Pachuca and Baja California Sur, respectively. 

The organization's Committee of Ladies, led by María Reyes Palomo, consists of nine women working to strengthen community engagement and industry outreach efforts.