Guanajuato, Gto., October 10, 2024. In an event that reflects the commitment to gender equity and the strengthening of the mining industry in Guanajuato, the Secretary of Economy, Claudia Cristina Villaseñor, on behalf of Governor Libia Denisse García Muñoz Ledo, swore in the new Board of Directors of Women in Mining (WIM) Guanajuato District, chaired by María Luisa Orozco Ramos.


Villaseñor highlighted the state government's commitment to gender equity and economic development in the region: "The mining sector continues to be a key driver of economic growth in Guanajuato. The participation of women in mining is key to driving equity and sustainable development in this industry."


María Luisa Orozco, the new president of WIM Guanajuato, gave an emotional speech in which she highlighted the power of unity and sisterhood: "Women miners in Guanajuato have taken each other by the hand and are not willing to let go anymore".


Orozco shared her story of effort and growth from her days as an engineering student at the University of Guanajuato to her current role at Guanajuato Silver, recalling that the state is not only the cradle of independence, but also the cradle of mining in Mexico, and that in this state with more than 400 years of tradition women are ready to continue building responsible mining that is a pillar of the social and economic development of the communities.


In her message, the Director of CAMIMEX, Karen Flores, pointed out that just a decade ago, the presence of women in mining was limited. Today more than 74,000 women are part of this sector in Mexico and Guanajuato is the state with the third largest number of women in the industry, with more than 5,600 jobs held by women.

"Mining in Guanajuato not only generates more than 22,000 direct jobs and 138,000 indirect jobs, but also offers wages 124% higher than the state average, improving the quality of life of many families," said Flores.


The national president of WIM Women of Mexico, Doris Vega, highlighted the impact that the association has had since its creation in 2016, celebrating the efforts for inclusion and diversity within the industry with actions that motivate companies to promote and strengthen the talent of women with programs such as the Distintivo Sello WIM, which is now in its second edition.


The new WIM Guanajuato board is made up of women leaders in the mining industry who will accompany the work of María Luisa Orozco: Alicia Sierra, current vice-president and first president of the Gto. district; Lourdes McPherson, Secretary; María José Romero, Treasurer; Xochitl Segura, Training; Liliana Boyzo, Affiliations; and Yazmín Torres, Communications.


Present in the Presidium were the COO of Guanajuato Silver, Carlos Silva; the CFO of Sinda, Fabián Galindo; the Rector of the University of Guanajuato (UG), Claudia Susana Gómez; and the researcher of the UG, Laura Zárate, author of the book "Women in Mining in Mexico".


In a gesture that symbolizes the commitment to inclusive and safe mining for all, the WIM women presented Secretary Villaseñor with a pink helmet and safety vest.


They also thanked the companies Guanajuato Silver; Sinda; La Cantera Desarrollos Mineros; Itzcoatl Drilling & Services; and Transportes Olmos Jasso for their support and sponsorship.