Talking with… Dr Geraldine McGuire, Environment and Community Manager, Capricorn Copper, 29Metals

To celebrate this week’s International Women’s Day (IWD) we talked to some of the women of 29Metals, including Geraldine McGuire from our Capricorn Copper operation in Queensland. This is what Geraldine had to say…

On why she likes working in mining…

I enjoy both the technical and leadership challenges that the mining industry presents. I’ve always been interested in environmental and social issues, and the mining industry certainly has the ability to both create and solve these matters.

On her pathway into the industry…

After completing a degree and PhD in Agricultural Science, I first started in mining undertaking rehabilitation of areas impacted by mining in tropical environments. This was before the Environmental Protection Act was implemented… the roles and responsibilities around environment, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities have greatly expanded over the past 30 years.

On her current role…

I now lead a team with expertise in environmental and community disciplines. We undertake monitoring of the air, land, creeks and groundwaters associated with the Capricorn Copper mining operations, as well as managing the approvals for changes to the operations and ensuring open and transparent engagement with our key stakeholders.

On where she sees herself in five years’ time...

My aspiration is to be a leader in the mining industry applying my knowledge and experience to ensure that operations are managed appropriately to leave positive legacies for the mining industry and their employees.

On what she’d say to other women interested in entering the industry…

I would encourage anyone interested in entering the industry, regardless of gender, to seek opportunities, to be prepared to work hard, and to be good at your chosen area of expertise.

On how we should attract and keep talented women in the business…

We can attract and retain talented women in the business by treating them fairly and providing career pathways that have traditionally only been considered suitable for men with technical backgrounds.

On how men can support women in the mining industry…

It is helpful if men can acknowledge the challenges that women working in a male-dominated industry are faced with. We all need to value the different views and approaches that diversity brings to the business.