While the mining industry has progressed to be more accommodating towards women, those working in the mining industry are often expected to prove themselves to be as capable and competent as men, says specialist mining training provider Prisma Training Solutions metallurgy training manager Carol Brandt.

“I think everybody should have to prove themselves, not only women. It is also relevant to consider that women are not trying to be men. While we appreciate men and their skills, there should be a synergy between men and women. It’s important to understand that women bring in a unique set of skills.”

She notes that women should understand what working in the mining industry entails before entering it, adding that having women facilitators enables them to comfortably share their experiences, with female trainers advising on how to handle specific situations.

From January to March this year, Prisma hosted a training programme for women at the company’s Springbok branch in the Northern Cape.

The course, facilitated by a female trainer, involved the training of 14 women to operate Komatsu HD 785 dump trucks.

Seventy-six per cent of Prisma’s staff is female and the company’s trainers, male and female, are made aware of the challenges women face in the mining industry to allow for sensitivity when training women.

The company offers community development programmes and

Brandt says Prisma hopes to host speaking engagements at schools to enable women to understand what working in the mining industry entails.

Further, as a member of nonprofit organisation Women in Mining South Africa,

Prisma can keep abreast of what women need and, in turn, develop its training programmes to address these needs.

“We want to encourage women-only classes for specific groups that require specific skills.

“Ultimately, our goal is to create awareness, lead by example and provide mentorship for women in the industry,” concludes Brandt.