Leading global mining infrastructure and solutions provider - Orica – encourages its female employees  to continue making their marks in an industry that used to be naturally reserved for men by providing them with breakthrough technologies.

Female representation among Orica’s global workforce currently stands at 20.2 percent of total with positive year-on-year growth from 18.7 percent in 2022. Improvements have also been recorded in terms of women in senior leadership roles, jumping to 34.8 percent from 28.9 percent in 2022.

Globally, Orica is one of the leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers. From the production and supply of explosives, blasting systems, mining chemicals and geotechnical monitoring to cutting-edge digital solutions and comprehensive range of services, the company sustainably mobilizes the earth’s resources.

Operating for nearly 150 years, the company has over 12,500 global workforce to support customers across surface and underground mines, quarry, construction, and oil and gas operations.

In the Philippines, where it has been operating for over 50 years, Orica Philippines is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the mining industry, recognizing the value of different perspectives and experiences in driving innovation and sustainable progress.

In this Women’s Month, Orica is proud to present three of its empowered women.

WOMEN BELONG

Currently the site manager of the Orica Philippines plant in Limay, Bataan, Garla Arcega began her career at Orica Philippines almost two decades ago as a production supervisor - marking her first operations-related job since graduating as a chemical engineer.

Since then, Garla has put on many hats to fulfill some demanding roles. She worked stints as a training manager, training design lead, and senior technologist before transitioning into the position she holds today.

Asked to share any advice she had to any woman looking to pursue a similar career, Garla says to go all in without hesitation. “Do not be afraid to try and do the things that you would like to do. Do the best that you can do. There are great opportunities to learn and to better understand your own capabilities, strengths, and interests. It’s a great way to build wider networks where you can grow both professionally and personally,” she said.

Driving competitive advantages

Jenes Mae Sarael is a supply planning lead for North and East Asia at Orica Philippines. Before taking up her current role, she began her career at Orica Philippines as a graduate mining engineer before moving on to become a supply planning specialist.

Sharing her career journey thus far, Jenes said that “Orica turned me into someone I did not expect to be. Back then, the future I had in mind was one where I’d be working on mine sites in a mining engineer-related role. I never thought I’d be entrusted with a role in Supply Chain, a function I didn’t have a background in. Though I was new to the role, Orica saw my potential, which boosted my confidence and opened me up to more opportunities.”

Closing in on a decade with Orica Philippines, Jenes credits her company for the opportunities she’s been afforded in advancing her career. Having been able to see and experience different functions, Jenes gained better understanding of the role of each function and honing new skills at the same time.

Culture of empowerment

Anna Liza Muldong is a Finance Business Partner for North and East Asia at Orica. She started a career in Orica as an Accountant before moving up as the Financial Controller for Orica East Asia.

Through the years, Anna Liza has seen how the organization continues to improve the employee experience through the pursuit of a culture of empowerment and inclusive leadership. For almost a decade now with Orica, Anna Liza said that increased women representation in her company is not a coincidence but an intentional effort to drive more women to move up the leadership ladder, specifically within the Asia region.

“Women here are given equal opportunity at all levels, and are provided the support we need to be able to succeed in whatever role we are expected to perform. We are provided with continuous training, exposure, and recognition. We are also empowered through women-specific activities that boost our potential and inspire us to shine and make our mark in the mining industry,” Anna Liza said.

The stories of Garla, Jenes, and Anna Liza are prime examples of Orica’s firm belief in a diverse workforce as a catalyst for profound impact.

Orica offers Women in Operations Program, a hands-on training at mining locations and mentoring opportunities under experienced women in the operational and technical ends of Orica’s business.

Orica also offers accelerated pathways to help women unlock their fullest potential through its Asia Female Leadership Program.

The three women believe that a diverse workforce introduces a wider range of perspectives and ideas. By fostering creativity and collaboration across the organization, it’s possible to build an environment where women can thrive and realize their career aspirations.