As more women carve out careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the mining sector’s male-dominated profile is gradually changing – although the explosives landscape continues to lag behind. And given that new perspectives, opinions, and approaches can drive much-needed innovation, promoting greater gender diversity within the explosives industry has become increasingly urgent.
While there have been many advancements in blasting technology and practices over the past few years, there have been very few attempts to include more women in the industry. This lack of representation is partly due to historical perceptions of explosives as a male-dominated field, and a lack of adequate support for women to enter or progress within the industry.
Against this backdrop, the recent International Day of Women and Girls in Science, held on 11 February, holds particular significance, celebrating the achievements of women in STEM, motivating young women to pursue a career in these fields, and calling upon companies to critically reassess inclusionary practices within their businesses.
The business case for gender diversity
Notably, the call for gender equality has become a global social imperative, and is progressively becoming a business necessity in South Africa as public and private sector initiatives encourage female representation, particularly within management and leadership positions.
And with good reason, as research consistently shows that diverse teams outperform their peers in terms of productivity, safety, and problem-solving capabilities.[RR1] [RR1] [T2] [T2] In high-risk environments like explosives handling, gender-diverse teams are better equipped to enhance safety measures, assess and mitigate risks, work more efficiently, and earn higher returns on investment. According to a 2021 McKinsey report, companies with the highest proportion of gender diversity are 15% more likely to financially outperform the industry average.
But the role of women in the explosives industry is not confined to just improving safety or operational efficiency. Women bring an array of unique skills, perspectives, and leadership styles that can drive significant change. Our ability to approach challenges from different angles, combined with a high level of technical proficiency, ensures that we can contribute meaningfully across all aspects of explosives management, from strategic planning to field operations. Women’s participation in the sector adds another layer of richness and innovation that steers continuous improvement.
Overcoming barriers to inclusion
However, many women continue to face significant challenges that prevent them from entering a STEM field, or from advancing as rapidly as their peers in their careers. This is especially true in the explosives sector, where very few women can currently be found.
For many, a major hurdle is companies’ workplace cultures, which often do not support diversity. Women in the field frequently encounter subconscious biases that create invisible walls to career progression. The absence of female role models and mentors compounds this issue, leaving younger women with few examples to emulate. Another concerning situation is when executives are more inclined to hire someone of their own gender, where a lack of female executives further limits how many women will be given an opportunity.
Additionally, many companies in the explosives sector have not yet made necessary adjustments to accommodate the diverse needs of their workforce. From providing adequate personal protective equipment for women to offering family-friendly workplace policies, there are still significant gaps that need to be addressed. Women also often face difficulties balancing demanding work schedules with family obligations, especially in remote areas where support structures may be limited.
Creating opportunities for women
It’s time for the explosives industry to take decisive action. Active recruitment, mentorship programmes, and inclusive policies are crucial for creating a gender-diverse workforce. Companies dealing in explosives management services like Mining and Energy Acuity (MEA), as well as mining, quarrying, and construction partners, must offer equal opportunities for training and development, ensuring women have access to the skills needed to thrive.
Furthermore, creating opportunities where young women can connect with mentors and role models within the industry, both in leadership and technical positions, can inspire the next generation of women in explosives.
Finally, companies must adapt facilities and safety equipment to suit all workers, and make necessary adjustments to advance an inclusive workplace culture that does not exclude anyone based on gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, or any other dissimilarities.
The good news is that there are already inspiring examples of women making an impact in the explosives industry. Companies like MEA are actively championing gender diversity by creating opportunities for women and offering support systems to ensure they can succeed in this challenging environment. MEA’s approach ensures that the need for gender diversity goes beyond ethical considerations, positioning it as an essential for the growth and advancement of the sector.
