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Women in the Australian Mining Industry
Report   Open access

Women in the Australian Mining Industry

Michelle Gander, Fleur Yardena Sharafizad, Aglae Hernandez Grande, Heidi Vivian, Mahan Poorhosseinzadeh and Kate Blackwood
Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Centre Research Report
INDUSTRY SUMMARY REPORT SERIES - 2026, Edith Cowan University
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25958/hv5t-6531
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Published412.29 kBDownloadView
Open Access CC BY-NC-ND V4.0

Abstract

Gender equity Mining Employment equity and diversity
This report synthesises existing research on women’s participation in the Australian mining industry to identify the structural and cultural factors shaping gender inequality across the sector. Drawing on research conducted over the past four decades, the report brings together what is currently known about how mining workplaces operate and how organisational practices, work arrangements, and site cultures shape the experiences of women across the sector. While many companies have introduced diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at improving gender balance, the evidence suggests that challenges persist in areas such as operational roles, leadership pathways, and workplace culture. Specifically, the report examines how employment systems, career pathways, workplace culture, and the spatial organisation of mining work influence women’s participation, career progression, and retention. Rather than focusing solely on recruitment or individual career choices, the report considers how organisational practices and work environments shape gender outcomes within mining operations. By synthesising existing research, this report aims to identify the key structural and organisational issues affecting women’s careers in mining and to provide insights that can support more effective industry strategies for building a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable workforce.

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