Albemarle employees named top inspirational women in mining

Two Albemarle employees in Chile are leading the way for greater female participation in the global mining industry, and now their inspirational efforts have been recognized.

The Women in Mining (WIM) Chile 2021 project spoke with our own Environmental Monitoring Lead Paulette San Martin and Quality Control Chemist Alejandra Ayavire about their work in sustainability and their leadership in social and women's rights.

WIM highlights women's inspiring work throughout the mining industry in Chile. More than 1,300 women were nominated, and only 100 candidates were chosen. Candidates’ experiences and responsibilities ranged from engineering, innovation and sustainability to academia and workforce integration. The categories for recognition included:

• Leadership: Women who have shown leadership qualities in the industry and dedicated time to help other women grow and succeed.
• Professional Trajectory: Women pioneers who positively impacted their specific fields.
• Emerging talent: Young women or students who, despite their short experience, are already beginning to make an impact in the industry.
• Innovation: Women who have improved safety, research, productivity and other areas in the mining industry.
• Sustainability: Women who have built a positive legacy caring for the environment in their geographic area.
• Education: Women educators who promote bringing more women in to the mining industry.

"At Albemarle, I really feel that we are contributing day by day to the knowledge and protection of the Salar de Atacama. We aim to operate sustainably and make mining compatible with the environment and the community," said San Martin said.

For her, the main challenge we face is to generate a pollution-free industry and rely more on renewable energy. "We must rely on the community's knowledge and pair that with scientific knowledge to create a more sustainable future. Furthermore, we need public policies to include people, the environment, and the industry, so we leave a better planet for future generations."

Thanks in part to Ayavire, diversity and inclusion now are being taken more seriously in the mining industry. "We associate them with how we relate; how we express ourselves and adapt to working together without discrimination. These words open possibilities for women. Women should not have to limit themselves to only entry-level roles. They are capable of taking on higher skill roles," Ayavire said.

"To the women who enter this industry, don't be shy about contributing. Women have a different point of view that is beneficial. Although sometimes believing they can achieve more is difficult for women, they should not give up, so keep pushing yourself."

The WIM Chile project aims to celebrate women's contributions to scientific innovation and become a place for women to find role models with whom they can identify from whom they can learn.