A new group for women in the mining industry is asking the District of Sparwood for support.
Jo-Anna Singleton, a geologist at Greenhills and the president of Elk Valley Women In Mining (WIM) spoke at a council meeting on April 2. She gave mayor and council background information on the recently formed organization.
“Women in Mining Canada is national, it’s also international, there are branches all over the world,” explained Singleton. “It has a long history in Canada of women working in the mining industry and meeting to network, have lunches, and build camaraderie within their group - especially when women were much more underrepresented than they are now.”
The national not-for-profit organization formed in 2009 and the Elk Valley branch started up last May.
“We aim to connect individuals employed in, associated with, or interested in the mining industry,” Singleton said. “Our main objective is to provide a forum to share knowledge, experiences, and relationships that encourage growth and diversity.
“Especially in the valley, there is a lot of potential for young women to take advantage of a really lucrative mining career and we’d like to see increased diversity in all occupations and levels within the industry. This is all the way from truck drivers to general managers.”
Since forming last spring, the Elk Valley WIM has held a few events, including workshops and meet and greets. The branch has now organized an official chapter with an executive committee and has many more events in the works for 2013.
“The main reason that we exist right now is to present local professional development, networking, community involvement, and personal growth opportunities to local women at little to no cost to attendees,” commented Singleton. “We want to create a network of women that can provide each other support, advice, and encouragement.”
She added, “We are not limited to women only, we would welcome men at our events. Our goal is to encourage diversity and encourage women to be in the mining industry.”
The branch has already received support from a few local organizations including Teck and Finning, and is now hoping the District of Sparwood will do the same.
Singleton stated, “I believe our goals are in line with the District’s vision for a sustainable community, because we are trying to get women into the mining industry, which supports the District as well. We also aim to enhance community engagement. We want to get the local women involved and active in the community.”
Specifically, Elk Valley WIM is hoping the District may waive rental fees on occasion for facilities the branch would like to use for non-fundraising events, as well as promoting the organization and their events on the digital signs around town.
District staff will review the requests from Elk Valley WIM and bring back recommendations for council to consider at a future meeting.