Women in Mining UK has published its list of the top 100 inspirational women in mining around the globe. This biennial publication highlights women’s talent celebrates their “above and beyond” contributions, and identifies role models for future generations.
The 2022 WIM100 was chosen from 915 nominations for 491 women from 61 countries.
The top honor goes to Juliet Akamboe, a graduate student and research assistant at the Colorado School of Mines. She researches sustainable finance, building ESG frameworks, and securing critical minerals, and shaping policy for a more sustainable future.
There are nine Canadian women on the list. They work for producers of diamonds and precious metals. They are educators, engineers and entrepreneurs. All are passionate about the industry and a sustainable future. Here they are:
Educated as a geologist, Pamela Cook Ellemers is principal mineral resource manager at De Beers Group. She has worked in Australia, Brazil, Botswana, India, Canada, and South Africa.
Jamile Cruz, the founder of I&D 101 Consulting, a firm focused on creating inclusive spaces that support all talent. She works with miners to change systems to help bring new talent and ideas into the industry.
Chief sustainability office at Orla Mining, Chafika Eddine, was attracted to mining by the people and the diversity of work settings, particularly remote spaces. She believes it is a privilege to create change from the inside and improve quality of life.
Heather Gamble is CEO at Women on the Move: Artemis Project. She believes the mining industry’s greatest challenge over the next five years is attracting and retaining diverse talent. She believes the problem can be overcome and that women are key.
Charlotte Gibson, assistant professor and associate department head at Queens University Ontario, Is developing processes to concentrate critical minerals from primary and secondary sources. She also works to change the way mining is taught at the university level.
Kathleen Grandy started her career as a lawyer with a firm that handled many mining clients. She liked the industry enough to seek a job within it, becoming senior VP human resources at Kinross Gold. The projects, people and opportunities in the sector keep her there.
The founder of O Trade, Monica Ospina is a leading voice in creating regional development and prosperity. Community engagement, innovative socio-economic strategies, and a transparent supply chain are her passions, reflecting that the social sciences are every bit as important as geology, engineering and environmental sciences to create a sustainable industry.
Eldorado Gold’s senior director of sustainability Jennifer Prospero is developing and implementing a leading sustainability management system in Greece, Turkey and Canada. She has also led social and environmental programs in the Arctic, Madagascar, and Cuba.
Dorena Quinn, senior VP people at Iamgold, is inspired by your women’s commitment to transformation, despite the gender challengers. One of her goals is to make mining a desirable career choice for women. She finds working with the company’s Indigenous partners particularly rewarding.
The WIM100 women, wherever they are around the globe, are passionate about the mining industry and are as diverse as any group of people. Read about all of them here.