Making her mark in mining

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Associate Professor Megan Becker is the only academic named among chief executives, directors and vice presidents of global companies in the 2018 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining publication.

Becker, associate professor in UCT’s Centre for Minerals and Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering, was among 16 South Africans honoured by Women in Mining (WIM), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the employment, retention and advancement of women in the mining sector.

The 2018 list marks the third edition of the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining, and was announced in London on 15 November.

A record 642 nominations were received from around the world this year, representing different facets of the mining industry, but all highlighting the very real contribution women are making on a daily basis.

Becker, who named the late Emeritus Professor Dee Bradshaw among her colleagues and students who she thanked for being part of her journey, said she was incredibly humbled by the recognition.

Recognising perseverance

The edition contains a tribute to Bradshaw, who died on 7 June 2018. It says that with her death, the global mining processing community lost a teacher, a leader and a friend.

“I will endeavour to continue being an inspiration, especially to our students as they embark on their own careers in the minerals industry.”

Becker’s citation says she is passionate about minerals, teaching and applying her intellectual curiosity to the industry she loves.

“I will endeavour to continue being an inspiration, especially to our students as they embark on their own careers in the minerals industry,” she said.

The 100 women featured were selected by a panel of judges in recognition of their perseverance in the face of adversity, their ability to find solutions to the challenges they face, and for how they have served to empower others by being a voice and a role model for diversity and inclusion.

WIM chair Carole Cable called the book “a living history of women working in mining”.

“Through their stories, we learn how they have addressed challenges, empowered others and forged rewarding and important careers in the sector,” she said.