The increased presence and participation of women in the labor force is a matter of significant importance, particularly in industries like mining that have historically been male-dominated. Despite progress, women still face lower employment rates compared to men of the same age across OECD countries.
Moreover, there remains a notable segregation of women and men across industries and occupations. Women are often found in lower-wage sectors, such as the service industry, and are more likely to hold part-time positions. Additionally, women continue to be underrepresented in managerial roles, according to data from the OECD.
The fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), focused on Gender Equality, underscores that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical foundation for building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Despite some progress in recent decades, achieving gender equality remains a significant global challenge.
In the mining sector, both globally and in Chile specifically, there is a pressing need to promote the presence of women across different areas of the value chain. According to a report by the Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco), women comprise only 10% of the mining workforce in Chile. Globally, this figure ranges from 8% to 17%, as per a study by McKinsey & Company (2023).
Addressing this gender disparity in the mining industry requires concerted efforts from both public and private stakeholders. Initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities for women in recruitment, training, and career advancement, as well as creating supportive work environments free from discrimination and bias, are essential steps towards achieving gender equality in the mining sector and beyond.
It’s commendable to hear that our mining clients recognize the significance of inclusion and diversity, particularly in increasing female representation within their operations. As a Partner for Sustainable Mining, ME Elecmetal acknowledges the importance of fostering greater gender integration and promoting female participation in the mining industry.
Given our pivotal role in mining supply management, we are committed to integrating aspects such as Scope 3 emissions and providing information on the percentage of women’s participation and the types of tasks they undertake. By doing so, we aim to encourage and facilitate greater female engagement across various aspects of the mining value chain.
ME Elecmetal’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is underscored by its comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, which prioritizes initiatives to promote and facilitate the hiring of women across all lines of business on a global, regional, and local scale.
The company’s Sustainability Strategy consists of four pillars:
In the People pillar of our Sustainability Strategy, ME Elecmetal has made a clear commitment to enhancing gender diversity and inclusion within the organization. Specifically, we are dedicated to increasing the presence of women at all levels and tiers of our company, as compared to the levels observed in 2020.
“At ME Elecmetal South America, we recognize the importance of including women in our diverse work environments. Their presence brings valuable competencies and a unique perspective to our teams,” Rodrigo Ogalde, People Management Manager, ME Elecmetal South America.
“The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) standard plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness, equality, and diversity in the workplace”, Michele Bryan, Human Resources VP, ME Global.
“At ME Elecmetal China, it’s imperative that we take proactive steps to encourage and acknowledge the contributions of women in our industry,” Sherry Zhou, Director Human Resources, ME Elecmetal China.
The anticipated benefits for our clients include the enhancement of the entire supply chain through the increased integration of female talent and diversity within their teams. By embracing diversity, clients can drive meaningful changes throughout the value chain, fostering innovation and the creation of solutions.
In the mining sector, it’s acknowledged that incorporating more women isn’t without its challenges. However, as a hiring company, we must proactively position ourselves as valuable training spaces for future professionals and technicians.
ME Elecmetal has actively addressed labor diversity, with a specific focus on increasing the participation of women across its various operations:
Chile, ME Elecmetal South America
In Chile, efforts to promote labor diversity, including the participation of women, are actively underway. Currently, there is a 12% presence of women within the company. The Human Resources (HR) department is undergoing a diagnostic phase in collaboration with Comunidad Mujer, following a gap report prepared in 2023. This initiative is aimed at assessing and addressing the representation of women within the organization, with the development of an action plan to follow.
As part of Women’s Day commemoration, a workshop titled “Women in the Company” was conducted, featuring Natalia Duco, a Chilean Olympic athlete specializing in shot-put. The workshop was open to ME Elecmetal employees and their families and aimed to share Duco’s personal journey in overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field.
Additionally, on March 8th, female collaborators from Peru, Antofagasta, Santiago, and Rancagua received tokens of appreciation in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the company’s success. These gestures underscore ME Elecmetal’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the efforts of its female workforce.
United States, ME Elecmetal North America
In the United States, ME Elecmetal is dedicated to promoting labor diversity, including increasing the participation of women. In both the Tempe and Duluth operations, where the average female presence stands at 8.1%, the company has subscribed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Practices. These practices encompass unbiased hiring, promotion, compensation, training, and other work processes. EEO principles ensure that all individuals have equal access to employment opportunities, regardless of factors such as race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. By adhering to EEO standards, ME Elecmetal fosters fair, equitable, and diverse workplaces.
Changzhou, ME Elecmetal China
In Changzhou, ME Elecmetal China, where there is an 11% participation of women, various initiatives have been implemented to promote the growth of female talent. To commemorate International Women’s Day (8M), activities and gift presentations were organized for female employees, either on the day itself or the day before, depending on shifts. However, ME Elecmetal China’s efforts to support women extend beyond this specific date. The company actively encourages the participation of professional women, operators, and workers throughout the year, with different milestones and initiatives aimed at fostering their development and recognition.
