WA mining industry making strides in gender inclusion 

Edith Cowan University (ECU) has reported that mining companies in WA have made strong progress in increasing the number of women employed across the industry. 

The study, The rise of women in mining — How to improve inclusion and diversity through organisational programs, found that five WA mining companies, which took part in the study, had set 63 targets focused on hiring and promoting more women and increasing inclusion efforts. 

Participant organisations included South32 (ASX: S32), Gold Fields, Thiess and Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN) who contributed through interviews and focus groups as well as sharing policy documents and implementation plans. 

Results from the study indicate that companies are now turning their focus to building inclusive workplace cultures where women feel valued, safe and supported.  

The study has also showed a strong desire for collaboration across the sector, with 16 new joint initiatives identified, including co-funded advertising campaigns and shared research into why women leave the industry.  

Despite being commercial competitors, participating companies demonstrated a united commitment to improving diversity and inclusion. 

ECU PhD researcher and study lead DR Ashley McGrath says this reflects a growing belief that creating a more inclusive workplace is a shared responsibility rather than a task for individual organisations alone. 

“When organisations focus on inclusion, everyone gains from a safer, more respectful, more flexible and more successful workplace,” she said.  

Key drivers of progress included safety, respect, and clear goal setting, which were consistently highlighted as the most effective levers for change.  

Inclusion efforts gained the most traction when visibly supported by leadership and, in some cases, diversity targets were built into executive scorecards and linked to financial incentives. However, communication remains a critical gap and many employees were unaware of existing initiatives, even when they were considered successful.  

“The findings offer a roadmap not only for mining, but any industry trying to shift from numbers-based diversity to real, lasting inclusive workplace cultures,” Dr McGrath said. 

MARS Centre director professor Tim Bentley says the research research offers unique, practical insight for both industry leaders and policymakers. 

“This research takes us beyond policy statements and into the operational reality of change in one of Australia’s most male-dominated sectors,” he said.