02 Nov 2023

The inevitable evolution of the mining methodologies that include digital and technological innovations present a greenfield of opportunities that women must dominate in the mining sector, the minister of minerals and energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi has said.

Speaking during the Women in Mining Conference in Gaborone on November 1, Mr Moagi said government had invested in the education of women for generations, adding that it was imperative that their expertise be utilised where it was needed the most.

“We have to ensure that there are equal opportunities of employment and promotion in all mining houses and take action to generate more and better jobs for women by pre-empting any structural barriers that could be faced by women,” he said.

Mr Moagi said globally women were underrepresented at all levels within the mining companies.

“Multiple studies point to women representing an estimated 8 to 17 per cent of the global mining workforce,” he said, adding that apart from insignificant labour force participation, the drop off from entry level to executive for females in mining was the most concerning.

He further pointed out that more women chose to drop off the progression line before they reached their intended dream goals.

Meanwhile, Mr Moagi called on women in mines leadership to mentor, coach uplift and sponsor other upcoming women.

He commended former Ms Botswana, Ms Malebogo Marumoagae and her team partners for growing the platform for women in mining.

Thus, he said Women in Mining conference provided a platform for women to articulate their challenges and share the new possibilities for the growth of the mining industry.

He further said the conference gave government leadership, fresh innovative guidance on policy trends that need to be put in place to promote the significant participation of women in the mining sector.

The two-day conference was held under a theme: A New Driving Force in Mining, unveiling the next generation of women leadership in mining in Botswana and beyond. Mr Moagi therefore said women were the new driving force as their various roles and responsibilities were assuming key roles that would assist to propel the mining sector into new heights.ENDS