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ISSUE 05/2024 // FOCUS OF THIS ISSUE: Women in Mining

Hazard Analysis for Non-Metallic Mining Operations Under Mining Law – Responses to the July 2021 Flood Event

In July 2021, heavy rain caused the river Erft to flood, leading to flooding of the village of Blessem and the Blessem open-cast mine and its tailings ponds, which are located north of Blessem. As a result, an uncontrolled erosion area formed in the area, in particular due to retrogressive erosion, at the gravel pit, at the Erft and up to the northern outskirts of Blessem.

Authors: OBR’in Denise Strauch M. Eng., OBR’in Dipl.-Ing. Lydia Ziemer, ­Bezirksregierung Arnsberg, Abteilung – Bergbau und Energie in NRW, Dortmund/Germany

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Systematic Survey to Assess Gender Equality in the Mining Sector

Gender equality remains a critical issue in the mining sector, particularly in Germany, where the challenges faced by women are often inadequately addressed. This study aims to systematically assess these challenges and the current state of gender equality among female professionals in mining. The goal is to gather an initial understanding of gender equality issues in this context and to formulate actionable measures for improvement. A survey was conducted involving approximately 60 women in the mining sector, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative analysis of their experiences and perspectives. Data were collected through structured interviews conducted online, focusing on various aspects of gender-specific limitations, motivation and role models. The findings reveal significant barriers to women’s equal participation, including sexualized violence, discrimination in application processes, unequal opportunities for leadership positions and male-centric equipment in …

Authors: Dr.-Ing. Angela Binder, Mareike Schubert M. Sc., Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Langefeld, Institut für Bergbau, Technische Universität Clausthal (TUC), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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On Excuses, Overcoming Resistance and Recognition: Interview with Isabel Knauf, West Germany’s First Woman Underground

Isabel Knauf is an outstanding leader in German industry and a member of the Partners’ Committee of the Knauf Group, one of the world’s leading companies in the building materials sector. Since 2002, she has held various positions within the family-owned company, most recently as a member of the Group Management Board with overall responsibility for Southern Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. Isabel Knauf studied engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Aachen/Germany, specializing in mining and graduated with a “Diplom-Ingenieur” degree equivalent to a master’s in engineering. She has set a remarkable example for women in the industry: She was the first woman in the then European Union to obtain the so-called underground license in this engineering profession, which allows her …

Authors: Isabel Knauf, Mitglied des Gesellschafterausschusses der Knauf Gruppe, Iphofen/Germany, Mareike Schubert M. Sc. und Dr.-Ing. Angela Binder, Institut für Bergbau, Technische Universität Clausthal (TUC), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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The Role of the Society of Mining Professors in Promoting Gender Equality in the Field of Mining

The Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) forms a global community of academics dedicated to advancing mining engineering and related sciences. Their primary aim is to promote scientific, technical and professional knowledge to ensure a sustainable supply of minerals and support responsible mining practices. Through information exchange, the promotion of research and teaching partnerships and other forms of collaboration, SOMP significantly contributes to the advancement of raw materials sciences. A particular focus is on supporting the professional development and social awareness of its members. These efforts aim to increase the representation of women in this field and promote gender equality. Membership in the SOMP is open to all who are directly involved or associated …

Authors: George Barakos PhD, Curtin University, Perth/Australia, Dr.-Ing. Angela Binder, Clausthal University of Technology (CUT), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany, Prof. Andrea Brickey PhD, ­South Dakota School of Mines, Rapid City, SD/USA, Natalija Pavlovic M. Sc., Institute Jaroslav Černi, Belgrade/Serbia, Dr.-Ing. Alexandra Radl, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen/Germany, Prof. Emily Sarver PhD, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA/USA, Mareike Schubert M. Sc., Clausthal University of Technology (CUT), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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Progress in the Area of Gender Equality in International Mining: Interview with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nguyen Thi Hoai Nga

Prof. Nga Nguyen serves as the Head of the International Office and Senior Lecturer at the Mining Management Department of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG), Hanoi/Vietnam. Prof. Nguyen holds a Doctor of Engineering degree from RWTH Aachen University/Germany and a Master’s in Mining Management from HUMG. Her extensive career spans multinational project management, capacity building and fostering educational collaborations, particularly in the cooperation of south-east-Asian countries and especially her home country Vietnam with Germany. Her research and professional activities are centered on natural resources governance, sustainable development in the mining sector, and enhancing …

Authors: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoai Nga, Head of the International Office and Senior Lecturer at the Mining Management Department, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG), Hanoi/Vietnam, Dr.-Ing. Angela Binder and Mareike Schubert M. Sc., Institute of Mining, Clausthal University of Technology (CUT), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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Integration of Gender Aspects in Mining Engineering Education

Despite progress in increasing female representation in the mining industry, women remain significantly underrepresented, also in mining engineering education. This paper aims to address gender disparities in mining engineering education by proposing three gender-related goals: empowering women, preventing discrimination and strengthening gender and diversity competencies. Specific measures are identified for each stage of the student life cycle, including overarching themes as a zero-tolerance area for discrimination, gender-sensitive language and training for educators. The implementation and planning needs various stakeholders from which lecturers, role models, industry representatives and experts for awareness and gender-sensitive education hold a key position. Most importantly, students are also identified as key stakeholders, highlighting the importance of …

Authors: Dr.-Ing. Angela Binder, Mareike Schubert M. Sc., Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Langefeld, Institut für Bergbau, Technische ­Universität Clausthal (TUC), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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International Women In Mining (IWiM)

In a mining landscape that is under intense scrutiny, and where societal expectations converge with regulatory requirements and investor demands, the relevance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has never been more pronounced. Commitment to nurturing diverse talent, addressing gaps and promoting inclusive practices is not only a strategic imperative, but the cornerstone of a thriving and sustainable industry. The recent changes in the industry – from the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)’s strategic embrace of DEI (1) to the evolving landscape of voluntary standards – show that there is growing recognition of the transformative power that diversity brings to business. The world is at the intersection of the challenges in the area of the workforce, the digital transformation and the need to advance …

Author: Barbara Dischinger BA, Direktorin International Women in Mining (IWiM), London/UK

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Gender Equality in Mining: Interview with Thomas Ahlbrecht, Authorised Signatory of Redpath Deilmann GmbH

Thomas Ahlbrecht is the department head and authorized representative at Redpath Deilmann GmbH, Dortmund/Germany, where he has contributed a wealth of experience since 1986. With a degree in mining engineering from the TH Georg Agricola University (THGA) in Bochum/Germany, he initially worked in the German hard coal mining industry before becoming a leading expert in shaft construction at Deilmann. His insights, which he shares both internally and as a guest lecturer at Clausthal University of Technology (CUT), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany, read like a comprehensive guide on the construction, operation, modernization and rehabilitation of shafts and …

Authors: Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Ahlbrecht, Bereichsleiter und Prokurist, Redpath Deilmann GmbH, Dortmund/Germany, Mareike Schubert M. Sc. und Dr.-Ing. Angela Binder, Institut für Bergbau, Technische Universität Clausthal (TUC), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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The Role of Women in Mining

Little is known about the important role of women in the mining industry. However, without the female workforce, life in the mining state would have been quite different. This text attempts to describe and pay tribute to the lifetime achievements of women in the mining industry.

Author: Victoria Dietrich B. A., Tourismusmanagerin, Grube Samson, St. Andreasberg/Germany

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