BHP becomes the first mining company in Chile to exceed 40% women

The percentage of women in operation is more than double the national industry average. Moreover, women hold 40.8% of leadership positions.

In keeping with the global commitment to achieving gender balance, BHP Mining reached a 40.4% female workforce in Chile, which includes Escondida, Spence and Cerro Colorado copper operations.

The company website reports that the figure is more than double the national industry average. 

In 2016, BHP set an industry benchmark by publicly committing to achieving gender balance by 2025. At that time, women comprised only 17.5% of the company’s global workforce. 

«Gender parity was a goal that many thought impossible. Today, the BHP Americas region proudly confirms that we have reached the 40% female workforce target a year ahead of schedule. We know this journey does not end here. While gender balance is important, it is vital that we focus on creating an inclusive culture where everyone can contribute to their full potential,» remarked BHP Americas President Ragnar Udd.

BHP’s gender parity figures are also reflected in leadership positions, where women hold 40.81% of management roles in Chile. 

At Escondida—the world’s largest copper mine—1,509 of the 3,935 direct employees are women.

Moreover, BHP has found that having a more inclusive, diverse workforce creates a safer, more engaged, productive, and efficient team.

Achieving an over 40% female workforce was no accident. BHP has implemented industry-disruptive policies like closing salary gaps, offering job flexibility, bolstering training and talent retention programs, and building operations infrastructure to meet women’s needs.

The National Mining Society (SONAMI) website publishes figures on female participation in mining. Click here to see them.