Newmont’s Ahafo North project has achieved a significant milestone in promoting gender diversity within the mining industry by graduating its inaugural cohort of eight female Dozer Operators. This achievement underscores the project’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce, challenging traditional gender roles and paving the way for greater female representation in a historically male-dominated sector. The graduation ceremony, held at the Ahafo North site, celebrated the culmination of a rigorous 10-month training program known as the D10T & 844K Beneficiary Mastery Programme. This program provided the women with the technical skills, safety knowledge, and operational expertise necessary to excel in their roles, ensuring they meet the highest industry standards. The success of these women serves as a testament to Newmont’s dedication to investing in its workforce and empowering individuals to break barriers and achieve their full potential.
The significance of this accomplishment extends beyond the individual achievements of the graduates. It represents a paradigm shift in the mining industry, demonstrating the tangible impact of inclusive hiring and training practices. General Manager Charles Bissue hailed the graduation as a “historic achievement,” emphasizing the pioneering spirit of these women and the inspirational impact they have had on the company and the industry as a whole. Their journey, fraught with challenges and rigorous training, showcases their resilience and determination, setting a new benchmark for inclusion and diversity in the mining sector. The graduates’ success has instilled a renewed sense of pride within Newmont, further solidifying the company’s commitment to fostering a workplace where diversity is not just a goal, but a lived reality.
The comprehensive training program encompassed a blend of simulator-based learning, theoretical instruction, and hands-on experience with specialized equipment, ensuring the graduates gained a holistic understanding of dozer operation. The curriculum also incorporated modules certified by the Minerals Commission, aligning the training with industry-recognized standards and enhancing the graduates’ credentials. The combination of practical and theoretical training, along with official certification, ensures that these operators are well-equipped to contribute effectively and safely to the mining operations. This meticulous approach to training underscores Newmont’s dedication to developing a highly skilled and competent workforce, regardless of gender.
Upon completion of the program, each graduate received a Certificate of Competency from Newmont, validating their readiness to operate heavy equipment safely and proficiently within the demanding environment of a mining site. This certification not only represents their personal achievements but also signifies their official recognition as qualified professionals in the field. This credential further enhances their employability and empowers them to pursue fulfilling careers within the mining industry, challenging the traditional gender imbalance and paving the way for more women to follow in their footsteps.
The graduation of these eight women aligns with Newmont’s ambitious gender parity target set in 2021 for its Ahafo North project. This target, a key component of the company’s Inclusion and Diversity agenda, aims to establish Ahafo North as the most inclusive and diverse workplace within Newmont. Director of People, Mina Duah, highlighted the bold and intentional actions required to achieve this target, recognizing the significance of this graduation as a major milestone towards realizing that vision. The success of these women serves as tangible proof of the effectiveness of these initiatives and reinforces the company’s commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
The graduation serves as a powerful testament to Newmont’s broader Inclusion and Diversity strategy within the mining industry. It showcases the company’s dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields, challenging stereotypes and expanding the horizons of female participation in the sector. This initiative goes beyond mere representation and focuses on empowering women to take on skilled roles, contributing significantly to the operational success of the mine. The success of this program not only benefits the individual graduates but also strengthens the workforce as a whole, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment that drives innovation and productivity. Newmont’s commitment to creating a more equitable mining industry serves as an inspiring example for other companies to emulate, demonstrating that diversity and inclusion are not just social imperatives but also contribute to business success.
