More opportunities for women in the minerals industry

A publication examining the attitudes and experiences of women towards working in the minerals industry, along with strategies to improve women’s employment in the industry, was launched today.

The Howard Government, in partnership with the Minerals Council of Australia, produced the Unearthing New Resources: Attracting and Retaining Women in the Australian Minerals Industry publication.

The Minister for Education, Science and Training and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, Julie Bishop, MP, today launched the publication at the Women and Mining Symposium in Canberra.

“This publication provides a solid foundation for the minerals industry to implement practical strategies to improve its attraction and retention of female employees,” Ms Bishop said.

“One of the key recommendations of the report is that the minerals industry needs to investigate options for providing greater flexibility for both men and women with family responsibilities.

“With women making up only eighteen per cent of the workforce in the minerals industry, it is important we develop strategies to encourage women to enter the non-traditional areas of employment which will address the skills shortages in the industry.

“The minerals industry already offers a range of employment options for women, and this publication will enable other employers to adopt these approaches, giving greater opportunities for women and delivering a greater pool of skilled and talented workers.

“The Howard Government congratulates the Minerals Council of Australia on taking such a practical approach and recommends employers adopt the strategies in this publication and women to consider the career opportunities available in the industry,” Ms Bishop said.

Free copies of Unearthing New Resources: Attracting and Retaining Women in the Australian Minerals Industry is available in electronic and hardcopy formats from the government website or by calling 1800 050 009.