Mining blog ethics — how to defend the industry and offend everybody else
In a recent newsletter from InfoMine I wrote “This blog posting explores the role of passion, politics, law, and powerful men in opening new mines and stopping mine development in it tracks.” In short order, a correspondent took me to task for “alienating potential readers with an opening statement that suggests that only men hold any power in the industry.”
I replied: “I can only think you may be referring to something I wrote about Pebble Mine. If that is the case, my explanation is the light I try to shine on the negative side of the behavior of those involved. It is trite to approach a defense of any statement by pointing out where one has celebrated achievements, but please take a look at my many writings and I hope you will agree that I am trying to celebrate the achievements of all in mining, while keeping an eye on the foolish, pompous, and destructive. And if those terms apply more often to men than women (and I suspect they do) then that is the way the diamond is cut.”
We exchanged some interesting e-mails on this topic, none of which would be fair to repeat. However, here are a few culled paragraphs that set out, in a halting way, the value systems I would like to have this blog achieve. Where I slip and stumble, get on to me.
You are right. In this instance the wording simply slipped by. No excuse, not even a reason, but it is interesting to wonder if the words were thus because I had just read the reports that mentioned what had happened and all the knaves were just that: knaves. (I am not even sure what the female equivalent is—do you know?)
I concur that we must not support or promote a situation that entrenches a male-dominated perspective or industry. My reasons: (1) I simply believe it, coming as I do from South Africa where I grew up in a system that made much finer distinctions for discrimination and I know how horrible that is; and (2) I have two daughters and two grand-daughters and I want them to have a level playing field. Not to be facetious, but my older daughter is an MSc in geotechnical engineering (same as me) but things are not level—she is much brighter than me, is making more than I ever made, and knows more about seismic soil-structure engineering than I can begin to penetrate.
My request: help me, now a single old engineer, by bringing to my attention the doings of folk in the mining industry that shine a positive light on human ability and excellence. And also to keep things equal, bring to my attention the silly and wicked things people do that reflect ill on the industry—maybe by writing about them we can improve things just a little bit, even though in so doing we will surely offend somebody.
5 comments
” I have two daughters and two grand-daughters and I want them to have a level playing field.”
Poor Jack… alas, it’ll never happen. But if your young women in mining persevere and are willing to look the other way while simultaneously plotting to usurp a colleage or maintain a constant state of aggressiveness, then perhaps they’ll at the least benefit some promotion, or raise, or recognition while the nice guys, the ones who get the work done are over-looked, trapped below a glass ceiling, and trapped by their usefulness in a routine that never changes… hmmmm, come to think of it, that’s really not so unique to women in mining is it? Probably every poor slob who is good at his job gets stepped over and stuck in his career logging chips and making drill plans while the new guy gets the promotion suffers the same issues as us mining gals…
I do offer this: I haven’t met a bright woman in the mining idustry who hasn’t been interpreted as a B_____ once she starts doing her job and making decisions — the right decisions — based on the exact criterium she was hired for. When this happens, she (he, me, you) just has to roll your eyes and make sure your paycheck reflects what you want to be paid, cuz that’s the bottom line — we are doing this to get paid. Huh? (or, are you still working for the love of it? No where to go, Jack? No other place that will take your tons and tons and tonnes of banter and blogging?)
Love ya like a…? like a sis.
I’m female and am looking to enter the mining industry. Michele, are you suggesting there’s no hope for the girls out there?
I think mining women are going to be drawn to mining whether or not they are welcome by everyone. Their contribution will be just as effective as the next guy’s and that is the way it should be (men get overlooked also). I calls ‘em as I sees ‘em and young women are first encouraged to join the ranks, but the ranks ain’t that happy once the women start doing their job. In that case, join the special ranks of mining women who do their job really well for a long time despite weird reactions from insecure guys and appreciate your work for what it is: mining. There isn’t anything in the world like mining and there are few jobs that offer as much challenge and reward to an independent, free-spirited woman as mining. I would never have fit anywhere else.
I’m a woman and have been working in the mining/exploration industry (as a geologist) for decades. I encountered more discrimination at the beginning of my career - (1970’s) - than I do now. Discrimination now, when present, is possibly (or usually) more subtle. Women working as miners (not as geologists) was not possible in the 1970’s (or extremely rare?) - women were not allowed underground back then at all because of superstitious beliefs on the part of other miners.
These days, women run/own junior exploration companies - my cohorts. The present (younger) generation of women geologists/ miners/ explorationists/ engineers will own and run major mining companies like Barrick and Newmont. IMOH, it will happen.
Women in Mining (WIM) supports women in all phases and aspects of the mining industry. Check out their website (link on sidebar of this site).
Level playing fields are relative - things have improved a lot - today’s issues are somewhat different than issues in the 1970’s, when Homestake Mining could actually publish a job ad in the San Francisco Chronicle for geologists that said “Women Need not Apply.” (You’ll have to go to a library to find the source of that quote. It is one I remember quite clearly. Can’t find it online, though!)
Although mining is, for sure, a male-dominated field, its impact reaches out to all. These days, men and women alike experience first-hand the professional realities of the mining industry. Being a miner is much more than going underground. The technical aspects of the industry might be more male dominated, but the administrative side is also a huge part of the pie and there’s where women make a stride in the industry. It’s only a matter of time before the numbers show a more level field. Women can and make important contributions to the mining industry and to all industries, so I don’t think it’s going to take long before you start seeing more women miners. So, sleep tight for all the daughters and grandaughters of the world.
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