Wedoany.com Report on Mar 9th, Recently, Fabiola Sifuentes, Vice President of Planning and Environmental Strategy at Antamina Mining Company, stated in an exclusive interview with Mining Direction that female participation in Peru's mining industry has increased over the past decade, but challenges remain in technical and operational fields.

Sifuentes pointed out that the main challenge in her career has been advancing in an industry historically limited in female participation. She mentioned: "Just a few years ago, women accounted for less than 10% of the country's mining workforce, which often left us as a minority in technical and decision-making areas." She emphasized that through continuous preparation, technical rigor, and demonstrating results, women have carved out space in mining, proving that leadership and professional capability do not depend on gender.

Antamina Mining Company has made progress in promoting female participation. Sifuentes noted that the company once recorded nearly 30% female hires during specific periods and was the only mining company to achieve balanced female representation in senior management, with half of the vice presidents and strategic positions led by women. She stated: "By creating opportunities and showcasing female talent, the necessary conditions have been created for more women to integrate and actively contribute to the development of Peru's mining industry."

Despite progress, Sifuentes believes challenges persist in mining, particularly in increasing female participation in highly specialized technical positions and operations. She called for promoting interest in mining-related careers from early education stages, encouraging more girls and young people to choose the industry. She asserted: "Inclusion should not be seen merely as a goal of social responsibility, but as a factor that enriches decision-making processes and enhances competitiveness."

Finally, Sifuentes conveyed a message to young women, emphasizing that today's mining is a highly technical and sustainable industry offering real opportunities for professional growth. She concluded: "Believe in your abilities, prepare with discipline, and don't set limits for yourself. The industry needs diverse talent with technical vision and a commitment to the country's development."