Nababeep, Northern Cape: Transformation in the resources sector must be contemplated from a perspective of holistic inclusion, said Copper 360 chair Shirley Hayes.
The copper producer launched a project to develop a white paper specifically to measure current levels of inclusion in the mining and resources sector. The intent is not only to troubleshoot but to interrogate potential solutions that could overcome hurdles preventing full integration of genders and people with disabilities into the sector.
Hayes said, “Not enough is being done in terms of inclusion, and transformation also means more than redressing past injustices. It also means addressing inequalities that people still experience every day, particularly in areas like resources.” She said not enough was being done in the sector to ensure inclusion.
The White Paper on Inclusion will be shaped as a study and headed by former Ms. Wheelchair South Africa Tamelyn Bock, a Nababeep local with Copper 360’s ESG officer Jennifer Barnard. Hayes said that the study, expected to take several months, will be published in the third quarter of 2023.
Hayes said that role players in the resources sector are welcome to join in and extended an open invitation. She said: “This is about all of us and is for everyone.”
Hayes said: “This is a project that aims to benefit all role players in the resources sector, from copper producers such as us through to mining giants. We all need to take heed of inclusion on a greater scale than what has been the case until now.”
Hayes lists people with physical disabilities as a particular focus. She said: “When I looked at our own infrastructure, I realized that it must be incredibly unfriendly for anyone facing a physical challenge, visitor or potential employee. And while not every aspect of an industrial operation may be conducive to rehabilitate into a friendlier environment, a lot of it can be.”
Tolerance and understanding, said Hayes, are also important touch points of an inclusive-oriented business. And that means working toward a culture of non-discrimination across the board. She said: “There has been little work done on gender or gender identity in what has traditionally been seen as more of a man’s world. What must happen now is to open up and welcome everyone, of any persuasion, belief, or identity, and ensure that equal opportunity in the resources sector extends beyond colour, creed, gender, ability, or disability. It is our responsibility to level the playing field.”
It all starts with culture and leadership. Hayes believes that the Inclusion White Paper will dissect and unpack this appropriately. Then, his intent is to implement Bock and Barnard’s findings across Copper 360. She added, “I will also agitate the rest of the industry to do the same.”
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