London – 21 November 2025:
Following the successful launch of Women in Mining UK (WIM UK) Policy and Research Committee, marking a pivotal step in advancing gender inclusion, innovation, and sustainability across the mining industry. WIM UK is entering the next stage, building collaborations to drive evidence led policy that supports a safe, inclusive and future ready mining sector.
Lucy Crane, Managing Director of Women in Mining UK, commented “The Policy and Research committee will allow WIM UK to utilise our fantastic reach into women within the mining sector, gathering data into how they believe the system can be improved. One of our key beliefs at WIM UK is that by embedding inclusion into strategy and innovation, we are shaping a future that benefits everyone.”
Some Key Insights from the Launch Event
- Workplace Culture and Representation: Despite clear evidence that diversity drives performance, women remain significantly underrepresented on mining company Boards.
- Barriers to Entry: Polling at the event identified workplace culture (45%) and lack of visible role models (27%) as the biggest barriers to attracting women into mining careers in the UK.
- Opportunities for Women: Attendees at the event highlighted growing opportunities for women in leadership, policy, sustainability, and technology roles.
- Intersectionality and Lived Experience: The event emphasised the importance of considering intersectionality and the diverse lived experiences of women in mining.
- Finance and Investment: Investment decisions were highlighted as playing a critical role in shaping gender outcomes, with calls for alignment with ESG and gender impact assessments.
- Safe, Inclusive Workplaces: The event called for investment in equity-supporting infrastructure and the integration of gender impact assessments into all operations.
Next Steps
WIM UK calls on all stakeholders, including government, industry, finance, academia, and civil society, to collaborate with us in shaping research that informs progressive and practical policy. Together, we can unlock the full potential of women in mining and ensure a just, sustainable transition for all.
Women in Mining UK invites mining companies, government, investors, research institutions, and others in the industry to partner with us in producing research that will drive policies to improve the experience of women in the UK mining sector.
Partner With Us
WIM UK’s partnership model provides two main avenues for engagement, inviting broad collaboration across industry, government, academia, finance, and civil society.
Partnership for Research
- Collaborate to produce data‑driven research and analysis that identifies barriers, tests solutions, and informs tangible change across the mining sector.
- Share workforce data and insights.
- Support independent research funding.
- Contribute case studies and academic collaboration.
- Help design research projects and interpret findings for real-world application.
Partnership for Policy
- Work with WIM UK to translate research into progressive and practical policy that supports inclusion from boardroom to mine site.
- Co‑develop policy recommendations for the UK and global frameworks.
- Support engagement with regulators, investors, and governments.
- Provide expertise and leadership to champion gender‑responsive standards and policy reforms.
The target impact
This research will help inform UK policy by delivering gender impact data and provide actionable frameworks to drive transformation across the sector.
Join us
WIM UK looks forward to working with partners to create evidence-based solutions for a mining industry that reflects the talent and values our society demands, towards innovation, inclusivity and long-term sustainability.
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Notes to Editor:
About Women in Mining UK
Women in Mining UK (WIM UK) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the employment, retention and advancement of women in the mining sector. We offer programmes and initiatives to progress women’s professional goals and career aspirations, from university all the way to Board level. These include a scholarship programme with the Camborne School of Mines and Imperial College London, internship programme, partnership with Women on Boards UK, and numerous networking, educational and mentoring events. WIM UK publishes thought leadership articles and research as well as the biennial “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” (WIM100), which celebrates women’s contribution to the mining industry and identifies inspirational role models to encourage future generations of women to consider mining as a career choice. For more information about joining WIM UK, please visit our website. Membership is free and open to everyone, regardless of gender or location.
Women in Mining UK Contacts:
Allison George
Co-Head of Policy and Research Committee
E: policyresearch@womeninmining.org.uk
Emily Hall / Kristina Gaysina
Co-Heads of Communications
E: communications@womeninmining.org.uk