Calibre Mining Corp. (TSE: CXB) (OTCMKTS: CXBMF) celebrates International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by highlighting the contributions of women in mining and fostering an inclusive work environment across its operations.
Women comprise only 8-17 per cent of the global mining workforce, according to a 2021 McKinsey study. However, Calibre has intentionally cultivated gender diversity, with women making up approximately 16 per cent of its workforce.
Calibre supports women at all levels at its Nicaragua operations despite barriers posed by traditional gender roles. The company actively creates opportunities through professional development and training initiatives. This involves partnering with the Center for an Understanding with Nature (CEN) and the Pioneer Women of the Mountains Network to establish an entrepreneurship program.
Additionally, Calibre has collaborated with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Institute (INATEC) to train 43 women in Riscos de Oro in baking and confectionery. Calibre has also improved household conditions in communities near the Pavon Gold Mine by providing 120 homes with upgraded stoves.
Women like Maria Alexandra Castro Dominguez, a Senior Exploration Geologist at the El Limón mine, exemplify Calibre’s commitment to women.
Castro Dominguez conducts exploration fieldwork, collaborating with colleagues to advance projects from the prospecting phase to exploratory surveys.
“I have always had the good fortune of being with colleagues and coworkers who take care of each other as if we were family,” she says.
At Pan Mine in Nevada, Calibre employs skilled women in roles spanning senior leadership, geology, and clerical maintenance.
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Calibre applies a completely inclusive plan in hiring practices
For example, Anastasia Ogloff, a Senior Exploration Geologist, expresses her passion for geology.
“I have always been curious about what was inside mountains, and I loved learning geology,” said Ogloff, who brings both a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Master of Earth Sciences to her role. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to literally explore for a living! Calibre makes it extra rewarding because they are a highly ambitious company.”
Laura Clark, the mine’s Human Resources Manager, emphasizes the company’s commitment to gender equality. Calibre promotes a “speak-up” culture and conducts internal equity reviews to maintain fairness in promotions and advancement.
In Newfoundland, at the Valentine Gold Mine, Calibre also applies its Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (GEDI) plan to hiring practices. Women hold positions across management, mine operations, health and safety, environment and training, and mill operations.
Furthermore, Joanne Sullivan, Manager of Human Resources, notes that diversity benefits all workplaces.
“Our hiring model is based on our GEDI plan, which supports gender, equity, diversity and inclusivity, and helps us recruit and support a diverse workforce,” said Sullivan, manager, human resources. “We recognize that all workplaces benefit from diversity.”
Meanwhile, Laura Daye, Planning and Reliability Superintendent, values the company’s supportive and high-morale work environment.
Calibre also partners with organizations like STEMforGirls and the Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). This encourages more women to consider careers in mining. A recent mine tour for STEMforGirls received positive feedback, reinforcing Calibre’s goal of inspiring future female professionals.
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