Torex Gold’s Role in Breaking Barriers for Women in Mining
In the mining world, women are still pioneers who often venturing into workplaces traditionally dominated by men. Yet, at Torex Gold Resources, women are not just part of the workforce – they are the catalyst for change. This is a theme that shines through in Gold: The Journey Continues, a film series by the World Gold Council that tells the transformative stories behind gold mining.
Now in its third season, the series’ first episode focuses on Torex, a Canadian gold-producer that has gone above and beyond to promote gender diversity and foster opportunities for women, particularly in their Guerrero, Mexico operations.
The series dives into gold’s power to impact lives, something that Torex Gold exemplifies by committing to gender inclusivity at all levels of their organization. Despite the underrepresentation of female CEOs among TSX-listed companies, Jody Kuzenko, CEO of Torex, is leading a more than $2 billion company with purpose and dedication to inclusivity. Under her leadership, the company has challenged industry norms and prioritized diversity even as broader ESG programs experience varying levels of support across the sector.
Empowering women through skill development and workplace safety
At the heart of Episode 1 is Torex’s truck driver program, which opens up critical opportunities for local women at their Guerrero mine. Here, women make up 20 per cent of the fleet drivers – a significant milestone for an industry where operational roles are still predominantly male. These women have trained not only on haul trucks but also on motor graders, bulldozers, and other heavy-duty equipment, gaining skills that make them valuable assets in the mining field. Remarkably, data shows a lower rate of incidents involving female drivers, with zero harm to people, equipment, or infrastructure reported to date in 2024.
The truck driver program is about more than just numbers – it’s about visibility and opportunity. As Torex often shares, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’ and this visibility of women in skilled roles has created a ripple effect throughout the company and local community.
A data-driven commitment to diversity and parity
The episode highlights Torex’s data-backed approach to fostering gender diversity. In an industry where the global average for female representation is around 12 per cent (according to EY 2022), Torex’s workforce tells a different story:
- 43 per cent of Torex’s executive team are currently women.
- 50 per cent of Torex’s board of directors are currently women.
- Across the total workforce, 17 per cent of Torex’s employees are women, with 16% female representation in operational roles and 22 per cent in operational management.
- 258 additional women are employed by contractors working with Torex.
A notable metric is Torex’s commitment to wage parity. The female-to-male average salary ratio at Torex is 1.18, underscoring their dedication to equal compensation based on roles, responsibilities, and experience. This data highlights Torex’s accomplishments and it provides measurable proof of its unwavering commitment to gender equity.
Health initiatives: addressing critical needs for women’s wellness
Torex’s efforts to empower women extend well beyond the workplace. Recognizing that breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in Mexico, Torex has proactively organized an annual Breast Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection campaign. This program includes sessions by healthcare professionals to educate women about the importance of self-examination and regular check-ups.
In 2023, Torex took this initiative a step further by offering mammography screenings to female employees and contractors over the age of 40. Of the 47 women screened, four were referred for additional testing, and two were subsequently referred for oncology care and surgery. Torex’s health initiatives underscore its commitment to supporting women’s wellness, creating a culture where employees feel valued beyond their roles in the company.
A lasting impact: inspiring a new generation of women in mining
For those who watch Gold: The Journey Continues, the narrative around Torex is clear: women can not only find a place in mining but can thrive and lead in it. Torex’s inclusive work culture sets a powerful example for the industry and is a beacon of hope for the women who follow. From programs that give women the skills to succeed to initiatives that support their health, Torex is creating a workplace where women can truly excel.
Torex’s organizational purpose statement is to ‘Transform finite mineral resources into lasting prosperity by positively impacting all the lives [they] touch,’ and this mission starts with empowering the women at Torex. Through this lens, the World Gold Council’s series doesn’t just tell a story about gold – it tells a story about the people who mine it and the communities they lift up.
The first episode of Gold: The Journey Continues Season 3 is an inspiring glimpse into Torex’s pioneering efforts, not only as a mining leader but as a company committed to social progress and gender equity. At Torex, women are breaking new ground in a man’s world, paving the way for a future in mining that’s as inclusive as it is impactful.
To learn more, we encourage you to watch the full episode of Gold: The Journey Continues, available on the World Gold Council’s YouTube channel. Click here: https://youtu.be/ABg1mktsFjM
About World Gold Council
We are a membership organisation that champions the role gold plays as a strategic asset, shaping the future of a responsible and accessible gold supply chain. Our team of experts builds understanding of the use case and possibilities of gold through trusted research, analysis, commentary, and insights. We drive industry progress, shaping policy and setting the standards for a perpetual and sustainable gold market.
