Meghana Pagidipalli

As a woman choosing a career in Mining Engineering, I was motivated by the opportunity to enter a traditionally male-dominated field and contribute to positive change. I believe diversity brings fresh perspectives and drives innovation. The field’s unique blend of fieldwork, technology, and sustainability attracted me, offering the chance to work on large-scale projects, solve complex engineering problems, and promote responsible resource use. I’m proud to have turned this passion into a career and currently work as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at Bharathi Cement, VICAT, in India.

Working as a woman in the mining sector has been both rewarding and challenging. It’s empowering to be part of an industry that is gradually becoming more inclusive, though gender imbalances still exist—especially in field roles and leadership positions. One significant challenge I faced was participating in the First-Aid trade test during the Mines Safety Celebrations 2024. Despite the physical demands, I proved myself capable and received special appreciation from the Director General of Mines Safety. Moments like these motivate me to continue showcasing my skills, professionalism, and dedication. Supportive colleagues and mentors—both male and female—have been instrumental in my growth. Despite the challenges, I see my role as contributing to positive change. I believe the mining industry greatly benefits from diverse perspectives, and I’m proud to be part of the generation reshaping its future.

In my current role at VICAT, several personal and professional attributes have been key to my success. Personally, determination and resilience have helped me overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. I am also adaptable, which allows me to handle the dynamic nature of mining projects effectively. Professionally, I represented VICAT at the Union Ministry of Mines’ “Nari Shakti (women power) in Mining” event in Hyderabad in March 2025. I hold the statutory Second-Class Manager’s Certificate as well as a Standard First Aid Certificate from St. John Ambulance Association, New Delhi. My strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills enable me to contribute efficiently to project planning and execution. Additionally, effective communication and teamwork have been crucial in collaborating with colleagues and ensuring smooth operations. These qualities combined have empowered me to perform confidently as a Graduate Engineer Trainee.

I have had the privilege of being supported by mentors and colleagues—both male and female— who have positively shaped my professional journey. Although female role models in the mining sector remain limited, the few I’ve encountered have had a powerful impact on my confidence and career growth. Their guidance and encouragement helped me overcome challenges and grow both personally and professionally.

In the future, I would be honored to mentor young professionals entering the industry, especially women. I believe that by sharing knowledge and experiences, we can empower the next generation and contribute to a more inclusive and progressive mining sector.

Women need to step beyond their comfort zones to unlock the full potential of opportunities in the mining sector. Pioneers play a vital role in reshaping perceptions—among both men and women— about what’s possible in this field. My advice to young women is to build strong connections with colleagues, mentors, and professionals in the industry. Networking can offer support, guidance, and valuable opportunities for collaboration. I wish I had known earlier how powerful these connections could be in navigating challenges and accelerating growth.

Currently, I hold the statutory competency of a Second-Class Manager Certificate. My next career goal is to clear the First-Class Manager Certificate by next year. I also aim to take on greater technical and leadership responsibilities within the industry, particularly in Mine planning, safety, and sustainability. I am focused on deepening my expertise and gradually moving into a managerial or supervisory role where I can lead teams and contribute to strategic decision-making.

One goal I’ve yet to achieve is working more closely with my mentors and collaborating with peers on a deeper level. I’m eager to revisit foundational areas I may have missed earlier in my career and build my knowledge from the ground up. This will help broaden my perspective, adopt the best practices, and ultimately strengthen my professional growth.

Yes, the presence of women in technical and operational roles—alongside greater overall diversity—plays a vital role in driving project success. Diverse teams introduce varied perspectives, encourage innovation, and enhance safety and sustainability in mining operations. Companies with gender diversity, especially in leadership, often demonstrate stronger financial performance and higher levels of innovation. A more diverse operating team leads to better and more varied decisions by bringing together a wide range of ideas, experiences, and approaches. This fosters more effective problem-solving and helps create a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Beyond work, I enjoy unwinding by reading, Pencil Art and spending quality time with family and friends. I’m deeply passionate about lifelong learning and personal development—whether it’s acquiring new skills, staying updated with industry advancements, or engaging in community service. Environmental sustainability is another passion of mine, closely tied to my career in mining. I actively support initiatives that promote responsible use and conservation of natural resources.