January 16, 2024 - In Canada, a roundtable discussion about women in mining was held Monday at the Timmins Chamber. The event outlined women’s representation in the mining sector, including any current and recent government efforts that could affect women’s participation in the mining labour force.

The policy discussion was hosted by Minister of Mines George Pirie and Minister Charmaine Williams, associate minister of women’s social and economic opportunity. Representatives of a dozen mining companies were in attendance.

Associate Minister for Women's Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams, second from right, addresses a roundable discussion on women in mining Monday at the Timmins Chamber with Minister of Mines George Pirie, right.

Discussion centred around the current of state of women in mining, as well ongoing programming offered by the province to increase women’s participation in the mining workforce.

“I want to thank all the companies and brilliant women who engaged in today’s session, it will be the first of many,” Pirie said.

“We need more women to join the mining sector where they can earn high wages and help us address the labour shortages. Our government will continue to promote the mining sector and provide supports to help women participate in this exciting industry.”

Williams said she learned more about what the government of Ontario can do to make opportunities available to women in mining.

Some of those include providing larger changerooms and more options for childcare.

While in Timmins, Williams visited a mine and spoke to women working underground.

“They said that they feel safe and feel encouraged by their co-workers. It’s a great industry that pays so well and it’s changed their lives. I want to see that as a possibility for so many women in Timmins, but also across Ontario.

“I am very optimistic and excited to see what we’re going to do. Minister Pirie has been an excellent support and ally. He is very motivated and excited as well to bring more attention to the positives for women working in mining in Timmins. When women succeed, Ontario succeeds.”

Clara Lauziere, Director of Sustainability at Frontier Lithium, said the industry does need to think about how to make women feel more welcome.

“We need to change the narrative so women feel more welcomed in the mining industry not just in corporate or human resources jobs but also in underground operations.

“It is really great to have companies large and small talking about how they tackle gender diversity. How do we look at childcare and remote work to make it easier for women to join the mining workforce? Those are the questions we need to look at, especially in smaller mining companies.”