Diaba Kante

Job title (at time of interview)Processing Supervisor at Resolute Mining Company

LocationSenegal

” As women, we are committed to encouraging and supporting young girls who are interested in pursuing careers in the mining sector. Personally, my ambition is to be a role model for my sisters, by sharing my experience, dedication, and leadership. My goal is clear: to contribute to safe and efficient production while paving the way for a new generation of women in mining.”

” If I had to summarize my experience as a woman in the mining sector, it would be “resilience.” This reflects not only the challenges I have overcome in a predominantly male environment, but
also my determination to succeed and inspire other women to follow this path. “

Diaba Kante is a proud daughter of the Kédougou region. She attended Lycée Mame Cheikh Mbaye in Tambacounda, where she obtained her baccalaureate in language, history and geography. She was president of the women’s section of the ODCAV (Organisme Départemental de Coordination des Activités de Vacances) in Kedougou and a member of RENAJELF Senegal (National network of young women / girls leaders of Senegal) and AEERK (Association des Elèves et Etudiants Ressortissants de Kidira). She was also a documentation intern at the Agence de documentation and a history student at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar.

Her career in the mining sector began in 2017 when she joined Resolute’s Mako mine as a control room operator in Senegal. In 2024, she was appointed Processing Supervisor and took part in the IWRMP mentoring programme, which enriched her vision of leadership. At the same time, she has the honour of serving as president of Women of Mako Mine, a role through which she works to promote inclusion and uphold values that are very important to Diaba: respect, integrity and responsibility.

September 2025

By Claudia Fernández P.

Please describe your career progression and how you have reached your current position in your organisation. Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your work or contribution to a project? 

My name is Diaba Kante, a proud daughter of the Kédougou region. My journey in the mining sector began in 2017, when I joined Resolute’s Mako Mine as a Control Room Operator. It was a historic moment and a source of great pride to see women, for the very first time, taking part in gold production operations in Senegal. Over the years, I have strengthened both my technical and leadership skills, which enabled me to step up as a Leading Hand. This position taught me to balance discipline, responsiveness, and responsibility. Building on that experience, I reached another milestone in January 2024, when I was appointed as a supervisor—a strategic role that allows me to guide, support, and motivate my teams. Resolute also gave me the opportunity to join the IWRMP mentoring program, a transformative experience that has greatly shaped my journey and enriched my vision of leadership. In parallel, I have the honor of serving as the President of the Women of Mako Mine, a role through which I work to promote inclusion and uphold values that are deeply important to me: respect, integrity, and accountability. These values drive everything I do and, in my view, are the keys to building a sustainable and fair future in the mining industry.
Please describe your personal and professional attributes that you consider have been most influential in your current position at Resolute Mining Company

I ensure the rigorous control of isolations, a critical step without which no work can be carried out. This task is essential to guarantee team safety and to prevent any risk of incidents. I place strong emphasis on operational discipline and the reliability of procedures, which are the cornerstones of a safe and efficient work environment. I demonstrate flexibility and availability, allowing me to adapt to unexpected situations and respond effectively to operational needs. My sense of organisation and responsiveness also enable me to carry out all processing-related administrative tasks with precision, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency of operations.
What is your experience of being a woman working in the mining sector? How do you see the role of women evolving in the Senegal mining sector? What challenges have you faced working in such a demanding industrial environment, and how have you overcome

My journey with Resolute has been both exciting and deeply rewarding, on both a personal and professional level. The company entrusted me with positions of responsibility in a demanding mining environment. While this presented significant challenges, I always chose to see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and push my limits. The greatest challenge was to progress and prove myself in a sector that remains predominantly male-dominated. Thanks to my determination and the support of the IWRMP mentoring program, I was able to develop key skills, strengthen my leadership, and successfully advance into increasingly strategic roles. Today, I see my journey not only as a personal achievement, but also as a source of inspiration for other women who aspire to build their own path in the mining industry.
Are there other women working in your department or similar roles? What does that community look like. Do you mentor or support other young women interested in mining Careers? If so, how?

At Mako, we are proud to have women working in areas such as metallurgy, planning, and production. This is not only a great achievement for our company, but also a source of pride for the entire region. The local community takes pride in seeing their children working safely and seizing opportunities within their own locality. As women, we are committed to encouraging and supporting young girls who are interested in pursuing careers in the mining sector. Personally, my ambition is to be a role model for my sisters, by sharing my experience, dedication, and leadership. My goal is clear: to contribute to safe and efficient production while paving the way for a new generation of women in mining.
What advice would you give to Senegalese girls or young women who are thinking about careers in science, engineering, or mining? What do you wish you’d known when you First entered the Workplace.

To all those considering a career in science, engineering, or the mining sector, I would say: believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and never hesitate to seize the opportunities that come your way. Looking back, what I wish I had known when entering the workforce is the importance of continuous learning to stay competitive and of building a strong network to support you and open new doors. In my view, these two elements – ongoing education and the power of a network – are essential keys to success and personal growth in these demanding careers.
What are your goals for the next few years in your career with Resolute Mining Company? What motivates you to keep showing up and giving your best every day in such A challenging field?

Looking ahead, my goals are clear: to continue being a role model of success for my sisters, share my experience, and actively contribute to the safety and efficiency of our production. I am determined to make women shine as brightly as the gold at Mako Mine, demonstrating that leadership, dedication, and excellence are within everyone’s reach.
What changes or improvements would you like to see in the mining industry, both for women and for the workforce in general?

I hope to see more women in leadership roles and increased initiatives to promote gender equality within the mining sector. It is essential to create an inclusive and respectful work environment, supported by mentorship and training programs specifically designed for women. Furthermore, improving working conditions and safety is crucial to ensure an environment where all employees can thrive, allowing everyone to contribute fully to the success of the company.
If you could sum up your experience as a woman in mining in one word or phrase, what would it be—and why?

If I had to summarize my experience as a woman in the mining sector, it would be “resilience.” This reflects not only the challenges I have overcome in a predominantly male environment, but also my determination to succeed and inspire other women to follow this path.

I, Diaba Kante, am a woman of steel, a pioneer of gold.

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Diaba Kante

Diaba Kante

” If I had to summarize my experience as a woman in the mining sector, it would be “resilience.” This reflects not only the challenges I have overcome in a predominantly male environment, but also my determination to succeed and inspire other women to follow this path. “

Please describe your career progression and how you have reached your current position in your organisation. Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your work or contribution to a project?

Please describe your personal and professional attributes that you consider have been most influential in your current position at Resolute Mining Company

What is your experience of being a woman working in the mining sector? How do you see the role of women evolving in the Senegal mining sector? What challenges have you faced working in such a demanding industrial environment, and how have you overcome

Are there other women working in your department or similar roles? What does that community look like. Do you mentor or support other young women interested in mining Careers? If so, how?

What advice would you give to Senegalese girls or young women who are thinking about careers in science, engineering, or mining? What do you wish you’d known when you First entered the Workplace.

What are your goals for the next few years in your career with Resolute Mining Company? What motivates you to keep showing up and giving your best every day in such A challenging field?

What changes or improvements would you like to see in the mining industry, both for women and for the workforce in general?

If you could sum up your experience as a woman in mining in one word or phrase, what would it be—and why?

” If I had to summarize my experience as a woman in the mining sector, it would be “resilience.” This reflects not only the challenges I have overcome in a predominantly male environment, but
also my determination to succeed and inspire other women to follow this path. “

Please describe your career progression and how you have reached your current position in your organisation. Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your work or contribution to a project? 