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Gender in industrial mine work and organizations – recommended actions toward gender equality

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  • Samuel Heimann

    (Luleå University of Technology)

  • Kristina Johansson

    (Luleå University of Technology)

Abstract

Questions of how the mining industry can address gender imbalance and inequality are recurring and increasing across the sector. Neglecting how gender affects organizational processes, work environment and work, risks reproducing, rather than transforming the organizational culture and processes that uphold masculine culture and male domination in the industry. The aim of the article is to give research-based suggestions to the industry - companies and policy-makers - on how the results of gender perspectives in research on mining organizations can contribute to inclusive and innovative work environments, organizational cultures and processes in mining. Based on an extensive review of previous research on gender in mining, the study concludes that possible transformative change, through new technology and new forms of organization, may enable organizations to shift the gendered structure of mining. A shift toward automated mines and increase of industrial mining due to the demands of the green transition will lead to new types of jobs and new forms of organizing mining work. Within these changes lies a possibility to transform gendered structures in mining.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel Heimann & Kristina Johansson, 2025. "Gender in industrial mine work and organizations – recommended actions toward gender equality," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 38(3), pages 513-526, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:minecn:v:38:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s13563-025-00499-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s13563-025-00499-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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