6th “Women in Mining” study: Satisfaction increases, but so does the perception of inequity
Vantaz Group, together with the Mining Engineers Network (RIM Chile), Spencer Stuart, "Acción Empresas" and "Compromiso Minero", presented the results of the sixth edition of the "Women in Mining" study, which aims to gather the vision of the industry's workers on the process and conditions of development of women in the sector. People from the entire mining ecosystem (mining companies, suppliers, specialized entities, professional associations, among others) participated in this edition of the survey.
Women's perceptions of inequity increased this year in relation to the five dimensions evaluated (compensation, development opportunities, performance evaluation and options to assume leadership roles). In fact, it is precisely the lack of development opportunities that is the main reason given by women when justifying their job search.
While 77% of women perceive that men have access to greater opportunities, only a third of the sample of men perceive the same. Moreover, 35% of men believe that it is precisely women who have access to greater opportunities.
In this dimension there is also a considerable gap in the perception of men and women. While 70% of women perceive that men have access to greater leadership roles, 46% of men consider that women and men have the same opportunities.
Another perception of inequity present in this year's results has to do with performance evaluations. In this regard, women believe, to a greater extent (49%), that men are evaluated with a positive bias compared to them. Among men, this perception is lower, with only 33% believing that it is women who are better evaluated.
Increased perception of satisfaction
Regarding the level of satisfaction, the survey reveals an increase from 37% in 2022 to 62% this year. Although the majority of women are satisfied with their jobs, this same percentage claims to have thought about changing jobs, and 59% say that this is due to a search for better development opportunities. As for men, 41% said they have thought about changing jobs for the same reason.
Finally, the mining industry has helped both men (81%) and women (70%) to improve their quality of life, not only in terms of income but also access to services such as health, housing and education.
Upcoming challenges for the industry
According to a ranking of mining challenges in terms of importance to improve community perception, the majority of interviewees argue that economic growth with a local focus (employment generation) and social development (benefits that stay in the community, investment in community programs and infrastructure improvement) should be the focus of mining in their territories.
This is followed by goals to develop environmentally sustainable mining programs, invest in scientific innovation programs, and improve inclusion and diversity within the sector.
Review the complete study here.
