IDWIM 2026: The mining industry is changing, as is the role of women in it

There is still a widespread belief that work in this sector requires mainly physical strength, and is therefore less accessible to women. However, today’s mining industry is primarily about technology, engineering and data. What matters are skills, the ability to think analytically and make decisions – and these have no gender. Today we are celebrating International Day of Women in Mining 2026. It is a moment that prompts us to reflect on how the industry is changing and what role women play within it.

 Although work in the mining industry still takes place in demanding conditions, its nature has changed fundamentally. The importance of automation, advanced systems and technical expertise is growing. This opens up new opportunities for everyone who wants to develop their career in this sector. At KGHM, women are involved at every stage of the value chain – from mining, through smelting, to support functions. Although they are still in the minority, their role is steadily growing. This is an important indication that the changes are heading in the right direction.

‘The challenge today is not a lack of opportunities, but the perceptual and access barriers that still exist, including the under-representation of women in technical education and entrenched stereotypes regarding career choices. At the same time, this represents enormous potential for further growth and for expanding the talent pool within the industry. The key lies in breaking down stereotypes and supporting women in developing their technical skills, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment and promotion processes, and creating a working environment that genuinely enables development through mentoring, development programmes and educational initiatives’,emphasises Anna Sobieraj‑Kozakiewicz, Vice-President of the Management Board at KGHM.

That is why concrete measures are so important: developing mentoring and leadership programmes, investing in the education of the younger generation, collaborating with schools and creating working conditions tailored to the diverse needs of employees. It is precisely these measures that ensure that change is not merely a declaration, but a real process. The increased visibility of women in the industry and their presence as experts and leaders is already inspiring future generations and helping to break down barriers to entry into the sector.

‘It is becoming increasingly clear that diverse teams are not just a matter of equality, but also of efficiency, better decision-making, greater innovation and higher safety standards’, says the Vice-President of the Management Board of KGHM. ‘This is a change that is already taking place, and one that will shape the future of modern mining’.