International Women’s Day 2026: Trailblazer Mirna Cachay -
Women in Mining

Background and Early Career

Driven by a passion for engineering and a desire to make high-risk industries safer, I began my career in Peru’s oil sector as a safety engineer. Over time, the rising importance of mining in my country led me to take on safety engineering roles for mining companies. Through that experience, I realized that if I truly wanted to contribute and grow in the mining sector, I needed to study mining engineering.

Transition into the Mining Industry

I returned to university for a second degree in Mining Engineering, and that led me to work in the Peruvian mining industry, a sector vital to the country’s future. What motivated me to continue in mining was not only its importance for Peru, but also its complexity.

I discovered that mining involves much more than safety; it includes geology, environmental responsibility, community engagement, strategic decision-making and global business management.

As the only woman in my class, I saw the challenge as a motivation. It strengthened my motivation to succeed and pave the way for more women in mining.

The Journey from Peru to Canada

Later, while working as a mining engineer in Peru, I discovered the Artemisa Mining Challenge through the Red de Ingenieras de Minas de Chile & Perú. This program connects the needs of Canadian mining companies with female mining engineers from South America and seeks to attract female talent through sponsorship from Canadian mining companies.

After a rigorous recruitment process that lasted about two years, strengthened by my professional experience and English preparation, I was invited to led me to join Rio Tinto in Canada.

That journey took me from Lima, Peru, where temperatures are around 30°C, to Labrador City in Newfoundland and Labrador, where winter temperatures can reach approximately -30°C. This has been a major life change, but also one of the most rewarding. Today, I am proud to be building my engineering career in Canada, working for one of the world’s leading mining companies.

What challenges do women face in the mining industry today?

Male-dominated industry: Mining is one of the industries where women still face significant challenges because it has historically been male-dominated.
Role assignment: From my experience, one challenge is how roles are often assigned. Women are sometimes placed in office-based positions rather than leadership roles in the field.
Leadership bias: There are still biases about whether women have the character or authority to lead teams composed mainly of men.
Confidence and self-perception: Another challenge relates to confidence and self-perception. Women may encounter unfamiliar or difficult situations in the workplace, and without strong self-confidence, it can be easy to feel discouraged or to question one’s own abilities.
Remote work and demanding schedules: Finally, the remote nature of many mining operations and the demanding schedules can create additional challenges, especially for women who want to build a family while continuing to grow professionally.

How can workplaces better support and uplift women in industries like mining?

Encourage collaboration over competition: From a young age, society often teaches women to compete with one another, sometimes even placing us against each other. Supportive workplaces can encourage mutual respect.
Create spaces for connection and share experiences: Women can share experiences and learn from each other. Hearing other women’s stories can inspire confidence and open new possibilities, whether in mining or other fields, and can help create genuine connections.
Building confidence and community: When we do the inner work of recognizing our worth, we become more capable of supporting and celebrating the achievements of other women.

What does the future of sustainability in the mining industry look like?

Rapid technological change: We are entering a time of rapid technological change, with increasing automation and optimization of processes in mining.
Adapting to this change: While these advancements are essential, I believe sustainability must continue to prioritize the human element. This means investing in education, training, and the development of new skills so that people can continue to grow professionally as the industry evolves.
A human-centred approach: As technology evolves, it will be critical to ensure that workers and communities can adapt to these changes. Sustainability should not only be about efficiency or production, but also about ensuring that workers remain valued as human beings and as essential contributors to society.

What message would you like to share with women around the world this International Women’s Day?

Women should take time to recognize themselves, to reflect on their value, the roles they play in their families, communities and professions. They should also reflect on the challenges they have overcome. It is a moment to honour their strengths and achievements and to keep pursuing growth and purpose on their own terms. When women truly recognize their own worth, they are also better able to uplift, inspire and support other women.

What advice would you give to women pursuing careers in mining, engineering, or other male-dominated industries?

I would encourage people to honour their desire to achieve more and to recognize their own potential. If you have a dream or a goal, pursue it, even if sometimes it requires taking a step back before moving two steps forward. That has happened to me at different moments in my life, where stepping back allowed me to redirect my path and move closer to what I truly wanted. We have the courage and the strength to pursue our dreams. Let’s dare to dream, dare to ask for help when we need it, and dare to share our stories. We never know who may be listening, someone who might help us or be inspired by our story.