On International Women’s Day in Mining, we share the story of Carolina Ibañez Obligado, an engineer in Risk Prevention, Quality and Environment, who is committed to a safer, more diverse and inclusive industry.

Women in Mining Day is celebrated every June 15th to highlight the contribution of gender diversity in the sector and encourage new generations to join this activity. This date is the result of the efforts of International Women in Mining (IWiM), an organisation that seeks to represent the global voice of women in this field.

“I used to see mining as a distant, rough and inaccessible world. Today I see an industry that is evolving, that values diversity and offers real opportunities for development,” says Carolina Andrea Ibañez Obligado, HSE Technician at the SADDN Project, Chile.

Carolina came to mining as a risk prevention specialist, driven by a desire to care for people and promote safer working environments. Throughout her career, she has faced various challenges: fostering a culture of prevention in environments traditionally focused on production, breaking stereotypes and leading teams as a young woman.

The support of those around her was key to feeling comfortable in the industry and in her role. “A fundamental pillar is having the support of my family and surrounding myself with colleagues who believe in teamwork and joint growth,” she says.

Her vision for the industry

Today, Carolina looks ahead with a clear vision for the future of the industry: “I would like to see more women in leadership positions, in technical and operational areas, promoting a more inclusive work culture and policies that favour equality at all levels. And for future generations to see mining as a natural option for development, without barriers.”

She also highlights the importance of incorporating different perspectives into everyday work. “The mining industry is not exclusive to one gender; today, we need all the perspectives of the different members. In this sense, the role of women is transversally influential, contributing from the different places we can develop as women,” she adds.

With an eye on the younger generations, Carolina invites other women to get involved in the industry. “I would tell them to go for it. Mining needs brave, prepared and determined women who can contribute a different perspective, especially in a career where you work directly with people,” she says.

Institutional commitment: partnership with WIM Peru

In line with this anniversary, Techint Engineering and Construction organised a special event at its headquarters in Lima, Peru, to commemorate International Women’s Day in Mining and strengthen its commitment to inclusion in the sector.

During the event, an affiliation agreement was signed with WIM Peru (Women in Mining), through which the company joins as an institutional ally of this organisation that works to raise awareness and strengthen the role of women in Peruvian mining.

The event was attended by Nahil Hirsh, president of WIM Peru, and María Alejandra Delgado, honorary associate and former general manager of Minera Río Tinto, who gave an inspiring talk on “Challenges in Resilience”. The formal signing was carried out by Hirsh and Oscar Navas, Business Development Director - Andean Region at Techint E&C and member of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Governance Committee.

“Today, change is underway and we must be an active part of this process to strengthen a more diverse and equitable industry,” said Navas.

The event concluded with a clear message: building a more inclusive mining industry requires everyone’s effort.

At Techint E&C, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusion and equity, fostering a safe and diverse environment where all people can develop their full potential.