About IWRMP
The International Women in Resources Mentoring Programme (IWRMP) is an annual cross-company industry-wide one on one mentoring programme to drive gender inclusion in the resources sector. Each year, this programme connects emerging female leaders with expert mentors to unlock potential and spark growth. We focus on building confidence, breaking barriers and accelerating careers.
Established in 2018, this unique 6-month, structured and results-orientated initiative is very successful, growing year on year and continuously improving with consistently excellent ratings from mentees and mentors. To date, IWRMP has facilitated the personal and professional growth of 632 mentees, including 79 scholars based in over 40 countries.
The programme runs in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish and mentees can be matched in additional languages.
IWRMP places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, aiming to reduce cross-cultural barriers by matching people from different countries where possible and creating partnerships between skilled, driven mentees and senior industry leaders committed to the promotion of women in mining.
2026 Programme Sponsors
What Participants Say
Key Dates
Key Dates
Video Highlights
Who Can Participate?
Mentee
The programme is open to professionals self-identifying as female from all companies, countries, professions/discipline areas and seniority levels. We do expect professionals to work in mining or related sectors.
Mining professionals between roles or students (including PhD) are not eligible for participation. To be able to participate in IWRMP, mentees need to be sponsored by their employer.
- Mentees must identify as female and have at least 5 years’ experience in the mining sector post qualification (ideally 10+ years)
- Minimum age 27 years
Your commitment
Mentees drive the programme and their commitment maximises success. Mentees commit to training, preparing for the one-on-one mentoring sessions then following up on agreed actions. Additional virtual sessions are available. Mentees will ideally be able to dedicate 5 hours per week to the programme.
- Compulsory: initial training session, sessions with their mentor every 3 to 4 weeks, session preparation and follow up work
- Optional but highly encouraged: virtual sessions, events and networking opportunities
Mentor
IWRMP mentors are senior leaders in the resources industry of all genders committed to the promotion of women in mining. They play a vital role in enhancing global retention and promotion of women in mining by supporting but also pushing mentees beyond their expectations, sharing valuable tools and insight to help them progress on their own leadership journey.
- At least 20 years’ work experience, with seniority and experience with mining companies/mining consultancies across all professions and industry roles
- International work experience (ideally having lived and worked abroad)
- A passion for giving back and capacity for empathy
Your commitment
Mentors commit to make themselves available to their mentee every 3 to 4 weeks for a period of 6 months, to maintain focus and momentum in the discussions.
- Compulsory: initial training session (if first time as mentor on the programme), and at least 6 sessions with their mentee (ca. 12 hours)
- Optional: additional sessions with their mentee, virtual sessions, events and networking opportunities
What to Expect
Mentors and mentees in this premier programme will receive mentoring training, virtual sessions, introductions, clinics, events, networking opportunities and at least six one-on-one sessions between the mentor and mentee. Support & coaching to mentee/mentor pairs is available during the programme.
The programme runs in 4 languages: English, French, Portuguese and Spanish and participants can be matched in additional languages. Mentees and mentors have access to a dedicated platform running on computer, tablet and mobile.
Sponsors and employers can expect programmes updates and reports.
The 2026 programme is underway and closed for applications.
Scholarship Programme
Scholarship Eligibility
Each year, IWIM offers a limited number of scholarships to people self-identifying as women working in, with and around the mining sector, primarily in emerging markets or among disadvantaged groups, who do not have an industry sponsor and are unable to self-fund their participation in IWRMP. Applicants from emerging markets who work for large mining companies, consultancies or engineering firms can’t apply for scholarship and need to be sponsored by their employer.
For scholarship enquiries and applications, please contact us directly at:
iwrmp@internationalwim.org