Breaking stereotypes and thriving

The impression of the mining sector as traditional and male-dominated might deter women from joining the industry. Nothing could be more wrong according to Marie-Soleil Lacoursiere who has worked with mining customers at Sandvik for many years. She loves her job and recommends more women to pursue a career in mining.

As a Global Customer Manager, Marie-Soleil Lacoursiere helps Sandvik customers to become more productive, sustainable, innovative, and to lower their cost per ton. It’s a job that requires detailed knowledge about the high-tech solutions that mining today is all about.

“Many may see the mining industry as old-fashioned, but it only takes a few moments to realize that it is something entirely different. I really enjoy working with this,” says Marie-Soleil. “It is a very high-tech and innovative place to be in, and working for Sandvik has exposed me for all the bold thinking that’s behind the products.”

She admits that being a woman in the mining industry has not always been easy. However, Marie-Soleil is experiencing a major shift in the industry and she encourages young women to pursue a career within mining.

“I can't say that I haven't experienced gender bias, that would not be true. But I've been lucky to start my career in mining for an operator who was very aware of those dynamics and that worked to remove barriers. Now I want to do the same and I hope that my story can work as a motivator for other women. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the world for real,” says Marie-Soleil.