First anniversary of Women in Action by APRIMIN

The first anniversary of APRIMIN's Women in Action (WIA) initiative was held on October 2 at the Hotel Plaza el Bosque Ebro and brought together national authorities, supplier companies, social organizations, and representatives from the academic world. The aim of the event was to highlight good practices in female inclusion, strengthen strategic alliances, and recognize companies that have integrated innovative initiatives to promote the participation of women in the mining sector.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams, who highlighted that in a decade, female participation in mining grew from 7% to 23.1%, positioning Chile as a global benchmark in gender inclusion in the industry. However, she stressed that challenges remain: extending diversity to the entire value chain, including suppliers and SMEs. In her words: "Mining is spelled with an M, but also with an M for Woman."

On behalf of APRIMIN, Dominique Viera, president of the association, underscored the importance of making women visible as active agents of change, thanking the companies and leaders who have supported the network's evolution.

Macarena Andrade, president of Women in Action, explained the three strategic pillars of the initiative: mentoring, best practices, and community outreach. She also noted that this year they hope to provide 100 mentoring opportunities to women in mining, technology, and boardrooms.

Recognition of best practices in female inclusion

A highlight was the award ceremony for supplier companies that implemented concrete initiatives to promote inclusion:

• • ABB, with its Smart Working program, which promotes new ways of working.
• • Komatsu Cummins, for its Reinserción Antofagasta project, aimed at providing job opportunities for women in prison.
• • Mintral, with its Women Drivers program, which promotes gender equality in operational areas.

These awards reflect how different companies are contributing to transforming mining into a more equitable and inclusive industry.

New partnerships and social projects

The anniversary was also the setting for strategic alliances that reinforce the social impact of the initiative. These include the collaboration with Hogar de Cristo, focused on inclusion and social reintegration, and the continuation of the mentoring program with the Liceo Técnico Bicentenario de Rancagua, which seeks to inspire young people to envision careers and leadership roles in mining.

In addition, special recognition was given to members of the WIA network who have promoted the organization's three strategic pillars.

Representing VOGT was our Head of Marketing and Sustainability, María Fernanda Vásquez, who shared her vision at the end of the day:

"It was an honor to be part of the first anniversary of Women in Action by APRIMIN, an initiative that not only recognizes the progress made, but also encourages us to continue moving towards a more pluralistic and inclusive mining industry. I am convinced that there is still much to be done, and that this network will be a driving force for real change."

The day ended with a networking event accompanied by the band Rapsodia, a tribute to Queen. As a souvenir, physical copies of the WIA book "Suppliers that inspire: practices for a better future" were handed out. The book compiles inclusion initiatives and concludes by reaffirming the commitment to promote female participation among supplier companies. The digital version can be downloaded free of charge from the official APRIMIN website: Download the book here.

The anniversary of Women in Action by APRIMIN thus becomes a milestone that inspires and sets the course: to continue opening spaces for more women to access leadership positions, operational roles, and the entire value chain of Chilean mining.