Women in Mining Series. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology joins partnership with Silver Academy.
New Mexico Tech & Silver Academy Focus group identifies 8 objectives to improve Women in Mining, Women in Education numbers.
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, is renowned for its programs in science, engineering, and research. It is consistently ranked as one of the top institutions in the United States, particularly in the fields of technology, engineering, and mineral resources.
New Mexico Tech is located in Socorro New Mexico (Socorro is “HELP” in Spanish)
The Silver Academy research project has tapped some student focus groups in Socorro (NM Tech) to address the Women in Mining Crisis.
The first rounds of research polled Women in Mining and Women in Academics among these disciplines:
Metallurgical Engineering
Geology
Mining Engineering
Mining Surveying
The focus groups identified 8 objectives to address for improvements in enrollment and employment.
1. Improve culture at Universities this may include policies for reducing sexual harassment or other proactive and protective measures.
2. Create Welcome Spaces for Women.
3. Create Pipelines in Vocational programs starting in High School
Moreover here were some more findings in the initial surveys at New Mexico Tech:
The number one response was designing (4. Flexible Work Policies:) Implementing flexible work arrangements to support women who are primary caregivers, allowing them to balance work and family responsibilities. This isn’t always possible in the field but is often possible in office settings. The 4 listed categories below were weighted by the following percentage
Childcare Support 20%: Providing access to affordable and quality childcare facilities can significantly aid women in pursuing and maintaining employment in industries with demanding work schedules.
Healthcare Benefits 40%: Offering comprehensive healthcare benefits, including support for maternal health and childcare, can contribute to the well-being of female employees.
Retirement Planning (TBD): Providing strong retirement benefits and planning support can help address long-term financial security concerns for women in the workforce.
Addressing Pay Gap 35%: Taking proactive measures to address the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for equal work is essential for promoting gender equality in the workplace.
By implementing these accommodations and initiatives, organizations can improve employment numbers by improving environment for women in the mining industry
About New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (formerly NM Tech) is renowned for its programs in science, engineering, and research. It is consistently ranked as one of the top institutions in the United States, particularly in the fields of technology, engineering, and mineral resources. The university's strong focus on science and engineering, as well as its research divisions and academic affiliations, contribute to its reputation as a leading institution in these areas
Socorro, New Mexico, and the surrounding area are known for a variety of mineral resources, including tin, silver, and lead. The region has been a major producer of these minerals, with historic mines dating back to the Spanish era.
Additionally, New Mexico's mineral wealth is considered one of the richest endowments of any state in the U.S., and the state ranks 31st in nonfuel minerals production, with significant reserves of coal, copper, potash, and molybdenum identified in the area.
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, located in Socorro, plays a significant role in the study and research of these mineral resources, further highlighting the importance of the region in the mining and mineral industry
Citations
https://www.nmt.edu/programs/index.php
http://www.nmt.edu
https://www.nmt.edu
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/nmt-2654
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_Institute_of_Mining_and_Technology