On June 15, we celebrate International Day of Women in Mining (IDWIM), an annual global campaign organized by International Women in Mining (IWiM) to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the mining sector, the progress made and work to be done in advancing gender inclusion across the industry.
This year, Kinross partnered with IWiM for their virtual IDWIM celebrations where they showcased this years theme ‘I am Mining and I Belong’ with a video from our Kinross Brazil team showing how they belong in the industry, and with Sura Alshear, Senior Director, IT Security, participation in the panel session ‘Breaking Ground in Belonging’.
Sura detailed her experience joining Kinross in 2011 as the only female on a team of 10 males and how she used her skills and commitment to become entrusted with important tasks such as designing Kinross’ cybersecurity program during a time that cyber risk management was an emerging trend in the industry.
“The mining industry may seem like a place where women do not feel they belong. However, if you take the initiative and show people who you are and what you can do, many doors will open for you quickly, just as they did for me,” said Sura.
Sura (bottom left) during the ‘I am Mining and I Belong’ panel
To view an archive of the 2024 IDWIM virtual celebrations, click here.
In further recognition of IDWIM, Kinross is proud to highlight the remarkable women who make up our global workforce in the photo series below!
Deana Zakar, External Affairs Superintendent, and Gina Myers, Vice President and General Manager, heading underground to showcase our operations to visitors.Brittany Swank, Exploration Technology Specialist, Kettle River Operations, enjoying a break from her computer in the fresh air behind the Exploration Office.“As a medium-voltage protection engineer, I am dedicated to embracing challenges with a genuine passion for my work,” said Touhana Sidi Ahmed, Tasiast MV Protection EngineerAmber Gearhart, Fixed Maintenance Planner, Round Mountain, holding the first gold bar poured from Round Mountain’s North Dedicated plant.Women of Round Mountain in the Human Organizational Performance and Operational Learning Teams workshopWomen of Paracatu on the opening day of the Employee Games!“I enjoy the precision and focus required in this analytical process since this procedure is crucial to ensure we are effectively lixiviating the ore to recover the gold and meet out targets,” said Michelle Bush Quintero, Metallurgist, Bald Mountain, on performing a titration to determine the concentration of cyanide in the solution.“Community outreach is a major part of my job. From school tours, to conferences, and youth safety day events, we are busy year-round connecting with our local communities and creating positive dialogue around mining,” said Brenna Schaake, External Affairs Supervisor, Kinross Alaska. Anna Atchison, External Affairs Director, Kinross USA, at the Manh Choh groundbreaking, a day full of celebrations and new beginnings.“It was a great experience for me as a visitor, not only as an employee. I acquired more knowledge about the Company I work for and also gave my mom the best experience with the mining company,” said Kátia Helena Bernardes, Executive Assistant, Paracatu, on visiting the mine site with her mother.Samantha Jackson, Senior Analyst, IT Governance, Toronto, in the truck shop during her time on site.Betty Wu, HR Manager, Toronto, visiting Tasiast to meet with employees and to celebrate International Women’s Day in March 2024.“I believe that Kinross gives me the opportunities and tools to continue growing professionally and personally. It is super rewarding and fills you with pride to achieve goals and make a positive impact on a company,” said Estefanni Osses, Contracts Administration Manager, Chile.
Thank you to all employees who submitted their photos, and to all the women who enrich our operations every day.
