MINING IN FOCUS
take more time to explain things to others. When a woman
is dedicated and passionate about her work, she can do
more than what is expected.”
Ellie believes that more women are pursuing an education
in mining. However, there are still organisations that
are not equipped to employ women. She says that
South Africa is ahead of other countries, as there are SA
companies with close to 20% female representation,
whereas other countries still do not allow women to work
in mining.
We asked Ellie if she would ever leave the mining
industry. She says no
without hesitation.
Ellie loves the
industry and cannot
wait for the day
when she is the CEO
of a mining company,
where she can make a
difference to the lives
of female employees.
32
African Mining October 2019
Ellie left us with some great words of wisdom. “It is worth
mentioning that how one performs in the mining industry
should not be looked at from the point-of-view of whether one
is male or female. Growing your career is about how seriously
you take yourself and how determined you are to reach for
your goals without being derailed by any challenge that you
may face. Having courage and perseverance is very important.”
Levelling the playing field
We also spoke to Louise Cunningham, Director of Halo
Media. Louise provides marketing and design directly to
mines and mining support services. She’s worked with Rio
Tinto and South32, from simple communication design like
emailers and newsletters; to creating and designing full
health and awareness campaigns; and production of videos
for sustainable development reports.
Louise brings a wealth of international experience to the
mining table and believes that women are well-represented
at an administrative level in the mining industry, but on
the whole, she says that there seems to be more men than
women in the industry.
www. africanmining.co.za