Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard The Crucible - Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM)

Tackling Discrimination and Unconscious Bias in Hiring & Promotions

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In this episode of The Crucible, Kabelo Rathobei (Researcher PhD Candidate | Luleå University of Technology) sits down with Boitumelo Nkomo, the Women in Mining (WIM) Programme Manager at the Minerals Council South Africa, to unpack one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: discrimination and unconscious bias in hiring and promotions.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience and deep sector-wide engagement, Boitumelo provides historical context, insight into structural biases, and clarity on what meaningful transformation requires within mining workplaces.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Introduction to the Crucible and topic
  • 02:00 Boitumelo Nkomo's background and career journey
  • 03:16 Historical context of Women in Mining and persistent structural biases
  • 10:11 Discrimination and unconscious bias in hiring and promotions
  • 16:00 Initiatives to combat bias and level the playing field
  • 21:11 Leadership's role in promoting inclusivity
  • 23:07 Advice for women in the mining industry
  • 25:22 Conclusion and closing remarks
5 Dec 2025 English South Africa Business · Business News

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