Women in Mining USA 2025 helps shift industry landscape

The 2025 Women in Mining USA National Conference, held April 15-18 at the Grand Hyatt Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, brought together hundreds of professionals for a four-day event focused on empowering women and creating space for all individuals in the industry. Under the theme “Empowering the Future of Mining,” the conference served as a dynamic platform for professional development, knowledge-sharing and cross-sector collaboration. Organized by Women in Mining USA (WIM USA), whose mission is to foster equity, sustainability and leadership in mining, the event featured an extensive agenda including workshops, keynote speeches, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Attendees ranged from industry veterans to emerging professionals and students, united by a shared commitment to progress within one of the world’s most essential and traditionally male-dominated sectors. Importance of perseverance The week commenced on April 15 with a two-hour evening welcome mixer at the 1902 venue, where attendees could first meet and mingle. Prior to the mixer, conference goers had the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament. However, the conference did not fully launch until the morning of April 16, when Elite Insight Coach Nancy Post gave her empowering keynote address on the future of mining. “The talent in this room has the ability to accelerate the transformation of mining,” said Post during her speech. Post’s address centered on her past work experience, noting key pieces of advice critical for young professionals to absorb. She emphasized the importance of acquiring emotional intelligence, defining values and taking risks. Through her curated words, Post underscored the importance of persevering in the industry, even in the face of adversity. After her address concluded, attendees had the opportunity to speak with sponsors and exhibitors, before choosing their catered track for the day. The April 16 tracks included a choice between enhancing leadership and career growth or mastering workplace culture, before a hosted lunch. Track one began with a panel discussion, centering around navigating transitions within the mining industry. The speakers included Endolith’s chief executive officer Liz Dennett, Worley Group Inc.’s senior director of business development mining Jillian Ladegard and Deloitte’s principal of supply chain and manufacturing operations Kelsey Carvell. The conversation was fostered by moderator Janet Kavinoky, vice president of external affairs and communications for Vulcan Materials. Immediately after was a fireside chat on critical minerals and geopolitics with Emily King, founder and chief executive officer of Prospector and Global Venture Consulting and Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, principal of Smoketree Resources, followed by a focused discussion on embracing career transitions with Allison Coppel, founder and principal consultant at Pacha Associates. Track two launched with a panel discussion surrounding safe and equitable workspaces. The panelists included Newmont’s senior vice president of separation management Melissa Harmon; South32 Hermosa project president Pat Risner; health, safety and human resources manager of Lundin’s Eagle Mine Jessica Sandstorm, and Rio Tinto’s general manager of growth and development for copper Gerdaline Lyons. Moderator Rebecca Darling, industry fellow of the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland asked panelists questions involving company culture, conversations in the work environment and shifts in company polices. Through their discussion, panelists addressed current concerns in the mining industry and highlighted future inclusive improvements for their organizations. Track two’s second panel featured success stories on empowering change from several established mining companies. Panelists included Weir’s regional business strategy manager Madison Burhans; Newmont’s program manager Aspen Young; Newmont’s head of asset management discipline framework Jennifer Meikle, and Rio Tinto’s geologist at Kennecott Jaime Soule. Moderator Peter Christensen, a consultant at RESPEC, fostered a discussion on navigating the corporate mining world and igniting an inclusive workplace. Track two commenced with two discussions — Driving Inclusion Through Performance Conversations with vice president of human resources at Weir Tracey Marsh, and Advocating For Yourself with Brown & Caldwell’s Meggy Gidula. The latter half of the day consisted of an overarching track with three individual subsections. Track three centered around fostering education and inspiration, with speaker Carolina Navia, a mining engineer at Freeport-McMoRan. During her discussion, Navia guided listeners through her journey into the mining industry, noting the power of mentorship. Navia’s winding path to success, as for many others in the audience, proved the road to mining is not always linear but is pivotal, nonetheless.“Every woman in this room, you are the future of mining,” said Navia. Her presentation was shortly followed by a panel discussion on breaking barriers, with WIM Kenya’s chief executive officer Grace Akinyi; Freeport-McMoRan’s employee experience and onboarding manager Carlton Thompson; director of education and engagement at Texas Mining & Reclamation Charitie Wright Whitman; FLSmidth’s global director of training certification Shayne Larsen, and Minelife Media owner Jessica Scanlan. The panelists outlined their individual backgrounds and how discussed how the industry can attract new, vibrant personalities. Through their discussion, panelists underscored the importance of industry growth, encouraging listeners to highlight their unique experiences. “You are all professionals and are knowledgeable enough to share your stories,” said Whitman. “Share your story because that can plant the seed and spark interest to grow the future workforce development.”Track three then divided into another three subtracks, where attendees could choose a tailored discussion based on their current professional position. Track 3A spoke directly to students and people in their early career, whereas Track 3B was directed toward those in their mid-to-late career. Track 3C catered to onsite and trade-specific professionals. During track 3B, chief executive officer of Career Gems for the Journey Leah Murphy; senior vice president of Piedmont Lithium Monique Parker; owner of Vision Success Now Pam Moyo, and chief executive officer of MRC Recruiting, Lindsey Schultz identified key characters professionals need: cheerleaders, connectors, challengers and sponsors. Cheerleaders serve as unconditional supporters, challengers incite productive change, connectors bolster career relationships, and sponsors advocate. “You want cheerleaders, but you also want those challengers,” said Parker. “Because the challengers will make you think.” The evening wrapped up with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner with a special program. Attendees enjoyed their food, while tuning in to an all-women mariachi band, accompanied by folklorico dancers.Prior to the night’s entertainment, South32’s Risner opened with a heartfelt speech on what it truly means to be an ally in the mining industry.In his speech, Risner drew on the shared feeling of imposter syndrome, in and outside the industry. Most humans experience some form of self-doubt and fear. Risner explained to the crowd how his mother was his hero, and how she experienced unfair treatment in her work environment. For her thoughts to be heard, a male coworker had to share them. Hearing this experience taught Risner the importance of establishing a support system and showing up for those who cannot necessarily do it themselves. “What’s most important is that I learn a lot more,” said Risner. “It’s about how I need to show up, how I need to role model. Most importantly, it’s about what I need to do to create more space for others to be heard, like my mom.” Risner’s words shone light on the strong need for male allies within the mining industry, in order to promote prosperity for all. The last keynote commenced on the morning of April 17, which president of business process improvement at Vulcan Materials Shelley Wright opened by speaking on prioritizing wellness in the workplace. During her speech, she outlined her personal experiences, emphasizing the “4Cs” of wellness — company, companion, career and connection. Guided by these aspects, individuals can become bold and empowered, creating an almost ideal work environment for themselves. The “wellness in the workplace” discussion continued on to the rest of the day, with track four customized to this topic. The first talk centered around supporting women in mining, specifically within reproductive health and pregnancy, the second elaborated on navigating parenthood and workplace balance, and the third outlined mental health and safety culture. The day concluded with an hour and a half of speed networking, where attendees could connect with others; an industry advisory council meeting, and the USA WIM board meeting, where the locations of the 2026 and 2027 conferences were revealed. The 2026 conference will take place in Tucson, AZ, and the 2027 conference will be in Montana. Closing remarks and awards wrapped up the conference on April 18, followed by a choice of five activities. The first two activities involved tours — one of the Cemex Balcones Quarry and the other of Lhoist Operations New Braunfels. The next two were leadership workshops — the first centered on career growth with Maureen Breeze, and the second on the trifecta of success with Leah C. Murphy. The last activity involved a hands-on course where attendees were shown the key elements of self-defense. Beyond skill-building and exhibitor breaks, WIM USA 2025 created a space for vulnerability and shared experiences, a concept often seen as rare in the workplace. Stories of resilience, advocacy and perseverance were exchanged among peers who have often faced similar, under-acknowledged barriers in their careers. Despite highlighting the challenges individuals faced in mining, speakers were able to offer tangible opportunities for industry-wide change. A sustainable future for mining WIM USA continues to play a central role in shaping a more equitable and innovative mining future through its support of professionals and students nationwide. This year’s national conference not only showcased the growing influence of women in mining but also underscored the need for continued investment in inclusive leadership and workforce development. As the industry confronts complex challenges outside of its organization, such as energy transition demands and global supply-chain shifts, it must continue to combat inequalities and underrepresentation within it as well. The voices and leadership of women in mining are critical for securing a sustainable future for mining.

Women in Mining USA 2025 helps shift industry landscape

Authored by: Carrie Smith

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To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

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