In an industry historically dominated by men, the mining sector is undergoing a steady transformation, driven by the inclusion, empowerment and the advancement of women. At the forefront of this change is the Implats Group, whose commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is reshaping the workplace and setting new standards for gender representation across the mining value chain.

Implats’ purpose — creating a better future — is deeply rooted in fostering a work-force that is inclusive, diverse and safe. Its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is a business imperative. Implats has made significant strides in embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into its core operations. The Group’s goal is clear: every employee should feel valued and included, regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion or disability. This vision is supported by a robust policy framework and leadership development programmes that champion the unique contributions of every individual.

In 2024, Implats achieved a major mile-stone — 29% female representation in management, two years ahead of its 2026 target. This achievement reflects a deliberate and strategic focus on gender mainstreaming, particularly in areas where women have been historically under-represented.

Driving performance through representation, improved working conditions 

The numbers speak volumes. Female representation in the workforce rose to 15% in 2024, meeting the Group’s 2025 target. On the board, women hold 54% of seats, surpassing the 50% goal set for 2023. These figures are tied to executive performance incentives, with gender representation in management carrying a 6% weighting in long-term incentive schemes.

Implats’ transformation is also intersec-tional. With 77% of board members being historically disadvantaged South Africans, the company is setting a precedent for inclusive leadership that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

Beyond the boardroom, Implats is making tangible improvements to the working conditions of women in mining. Women-in-mining forums across operations are instrumental in addressing health, hygiene and wellness concerns. At Marula, the forum hosted health screening and mental wellness days, and introduced 15 mobile underground toilets designed specifically for women — safe, hygienic and environment-friendly.

Zimplats has taken steps to support new mothers by establishing clean rooms for expressing and storing breast milk and offering flexible work arrangements post-maternity leave. Impala Rustenburg has brought antenatal care in-house, eliminating the need for long-distance travel and time off work. The site also boasts an on-site baby clinic, making it easier for mothers to access vaccinations and check-ups for their newborns.

These initiatives reflect a deep under-standing of the unique challenges faced by women in mining and a commitment to removing barriers to their success.

Equal pay and fair treatment

Implats’ remuneration philosophy is grounded in fairness. The company employs independent actuaries to conduct regular reviews of its pay structures, ensuring compliance with its commitment to equal pay for work of equal value. Any unjustified discrepancies are promptly addressed, and oversight is provided by the social and transformation committee on behalf of the board.

Respect and care are central to Implats’ workplace culture. Recognising the harmful impact of harassment, bullying and victimisation, the company undertook a comprehensive review of its harassment, bullying and victimisation policy in 2023. In 2024, extensive training was rolled out by a third party, and managers were equipped with an electronic toolkit to sensitively handle and report complaints — including those related to sexual harassment and online bullying.

Creating a Better Future 

Implats’ gender commitments are bold and actionable. They include removing discriminatory practices, accelerating the recruitment and promotion of women in under-represented roles, and designing development programmes that empower women to lead. 

The company’s employee value pro-position for women is clear: Implats aspires to be the employer of choice for women in mining. Through targeted communication and inclusive policies, the Group is attracting and retaining top female talent, while inspiring the next generation of women to see mining as a viable and rewarding career.

The journey toward gender equity in mining is far from over, but Implats is proving that with the correct policies in place, and the will to change, creating more diverse workplaces is possible. By embedding diversity into its strategy, investing in women’s wellbeing, and holding leadership accountable, the company is transforming its workforce and setting an example for the industry.

In the words of many women who now call mining their career: we are not just supporting the industry, we are transforming it.