AusIMM research reveals pervasive challenges for women in the resources sector

Research released today by AusIMM shows women working across the resources industry face persistent challenges around bullying, discrimination and inequitable treatment.

The data comes from preliminary results from our fourth annual Women in Mining Survey. With over 550 respondents this year, the Survey gathers vital information on the experiences, perspectives and priorities of women working across the sector.

The snapshot data, available here, contains some positive news, but shows that there is a need for further action across all levels of the sector.

The Survey indicates that approximately 85 per cent of female respondents are earning more than the average Australian female salary and close to 63 per cent are in senior or lead professional roles (an increase of 6 per cent on 2021 results).

But despite these signs of modest progress, the Survey results show that issues around safety, inclusion and workplace culture continue to impact women across the sector.

Asked to describe their perceptions of the industry, 70 per cent of female respondents said bullying is common, and 85 per cent said gender inequality is common. Close to 67 per cent of female respondents said sexual harassment is common in the mining industry, which was more than double the proportion of male respondents.

CEO Stephen Durkin said these findings prove that the challenges facing women in mining are not isolated to a single company, region, professional role or working environment.

“Some of the findings are confronting. They reflect an industry where many do not feel safe to go to work, and are not getting the support they need to advance.” said Mr Durkin.

Drilling down on the experiences of women working on site, the Survey results show women in Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) and Drive-In, Drive-Out (DIDO) roles are more likely to rate workplace inclusion as poor compared to the survey average (41 per cent compared to 28 per cent). Women in FIFO and DIDO roles are also more likely to rate workplace diversity as poor, at 41 per cent compared to a 34 per cent survey average.

Speaking at AusIMM’s International Women’s Day Event in Sydney, Mr Durkin said the Survey results emphasise the importance of AusIMM’s role in advocating and providing a platform for women in mining to share their experiences.

AusIMM’s CEO emphasised the importance of educating and developing resources professionals to drive cultural change, while supporting women to progress into senior positions across the industry.

“We need to mobilise and equip our resources professionals to actively prevent harmful and discriminatory behaviour wherever they see it. That is the power of a professional community such as ours,” he said.

“The leadership of communities such as AusIMM’s Women in Mining Networks, and programs such as the Women on Boards Scholarship and National Mentoring Program, are vital in this respect,” said Mr Durkin.

“But as a sector, the need to do more is clear. For AusIMM, we need to double down on the programs we know deliver real benefits for women in mining, and look at what further levers we have available through our research, advocacy, partnerships, professional standards and education.” Mr Durkin continued.

Survey results also serve as a reminder of the value to be found in a resources career. Asked to indicate what they most value in their careers, female respondents emphasised the satisfaction that comes with interesting, technical complex and fulfilling work. A positive team culture, respectful working environment and work-life balance are key drivers of career satisfaction for women in mining.

Now in its fourth year, AusIMM have committed to continuing this research each year as a means of marking progress and priorities for diverse professionals.

The Survey results are instructive for the programs delivered by AusIMM to connect, advance and empower women pursuing mining careers, and a comprehensive Women in Mining Survey report will published on AusIMM’s Bulletin website in coming weeks.

Find out more information about AusIMM’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

You can also learn more about AusIMM's Women in Mining Networks, which are open for everyone to join. The networks support women working in mining and promote diversity and inclusion through networking events, mentoring and professional development initiatives.