Evelyn Ofori-Atta, a Senior Plant Metallurgist at Newmont’s Ahafo South mine in Ghana, has been celebrated for her significant contributions to the mining sector by receiving the Female Mining Professional of the Year (Technical Division) award at the 10th Ghana Mining Industry Awards, hosted by the Ghana Chamber of Mines. This specific accolade recognizes women engaged in various specialized mining roles, including metallurgy, operations, exploration, and environmental management. The award ceremony, which took place on November 22, 2024, also acknowledged the accomplishments of two other Newmont employees, Natalia Poku-Boansi and Eva Owusu, who ranked as the first and second runners-up in the non-technical category.
As the first Ghanaian female senior metallurgist in Newmont’s African operations, Evelyn’s leadership and technical skills have been exemplary. Notably, her critical work includes managing and optimizing metallurgical processes related to mill liners, screen panels, and cyclone spares. She oversees a dedicated team responsible for managing carbon-in-leach and elution circuits while ensuring the proper oversight of tailings storage facilities and the management of reagents. Her accomplishments are amplified by her mentorship efforts, where she has guided numerous female colleagues, including those who have quickly ascended within the company after only a couple of years of service.
Evelyn’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, following her secondary education at the prestigious Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast. Her career trajectory at Newmont commenced in 2020 as a Metallurgist, and her impressive performance and dedication led her to her current position as Senior Plant Metallurgist. Such achievements underscore the potential and capabilities of women in technical roles within the male-dominated mining industry.
In addition to Evelyn’s recognition, Newmont’s Ahafo South mine was awarded the Best Performer in Diversity and Inclusion, while the Akyem mine secured the first runner-up position. This achievement reflects the ongoing commitment by Newmont to foster an environment of inclusion, diversity, and equity in the mining sector. Such initiatives aim to create spaces where diverse employees, partners, and community members can collaborate effectively, overcoming the biases that often hinder opportunities for talented individuals.
Newmont places significant emphasis on its values of inclusion and diversity as part of its broader corporate strategy. The company’s focus includes addressing unconscious biases that impact talent selection and decision-making processes. As the mining industry continues to evolve, Newmont is poised to advance these principles further, ensuring that women and marginalized groups can participate fully in all aspects of mining operations and decision-making.
Looking toward the future, Newmont maintains a resolute commitment to sustainable growth and the empowerment of women in mining. The recognition of Evelyn Ofori-Atta and the company’s efforts in diversity highlight both the potential for continued innovation in the sector and the vital role of women as integral contributors to its success. As the mining industry navigates its path forward, Newmont’s initiatives demonstrate how fostering inclusivity can drive not only corporate growth but also broader social progress within the communities it serves.
