An Exploration of the Working Conditions of Women Employed in Mining Operations at a Platinum Mine in South Africa

This research contributes to the growing global body of knowledge that informs women in mining, gender transformation and responsible mining practice by exploring the working conditions of women employed in mining operations at a platinum mine in South Africa.

Historically, the mining industry has been male-dominated, although women’s participation in the South African mining industry has significantly increased, the mining industry remains a challenging environment for women; they face various barriers, which are often indicated as reasons why women leave the industry and why mining companies do not meet their set targets as stipulated by the Mining Charter. This study investigated the ‘gender problem’ in mining companies through feminist theory and feminist treatments of organisations and change.