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    Mining By Woman

    This webseries aims to highlight the work of women in the mining sector, in different roles and hierarchies. We want these videos to inspire more women to build a career in this industry.

    The videos were produced during the pandemic and have complied with all the recommendations on Covid-19 prevention and social distancing. Almost all of the images were captured remotely and were often filmed by the characters themselves
    In the first season, we told the stories of female employees from the places where we operate in Brazil and around the world. In the new episodes, we will continue to celebrate the women who are helping us to build a better and more inclusive Vale, focusing on the followilg themes: Pioneers, Ethnicity, People with Disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Young Talent and Leadership.

    A project conceived and directed by woman for everybody
    Southeast Automation Technology Services Manager

    Bringing diversity shows us that we want to improve, we want to bring a new perspective. We had hits and misses at various times and now we want to go along with a different vision. And this different vision needs to include different people.

    Railway Inspector in Mechanized Maintenance
     

    When I tell my story, I am very proud, because going through all I went through as a woman is different than if I were a man. I'm in an area that has always been dominated by men and, when you are a woman, you need to deconstruct many myths and show that yes, you can be in a leadership position in a male team with a lot of expertise.

    Health and Safety, Environment and General Services Manager


    Women are very careful with what they do, they can really look at the details, I think it's a feminine feature, we can talk about that. And I think that when we talk about the care we have to have with the environment, a woman in front of a process like this manages to have this vision of total zeal that the environment needs to have.

    Superintendent, Enterprise Security & Services
     

    Listen to your people, your employees. Make sure they have a voice and that they know that they have a voice. You can’t fix what you don’t know. So it’s important to people feel confortable to bring their concerns, issues or even ideas and suggestions to improve things. We, leaders, need to be open. If you are not open, it makes hard to be a good leader.

    All episodes

    Manoela Isidro,

    Risk Insurance Master Analyst

    I have been at Vale for 14 years and, in half of that time, I was led by women. They held positions that, in other companies, were mostly held by men. This showed me that we were not limited and helped me to put into perspective the possibilities I would have within the company [...] It was important to be inspired by them to not give up and remember that it is possible to face challenges within this environment considered masculine and succeed

    Vivian Parreira,

    Supervisora de Operações Ferroviárias

    Em nenhum momento, passou pela minha cabeça ser maquinista [...] Já os meus colegas (homens), quase todos sonhavam em ser maquinistas desde criancinha [...] Esse projeto serve para mostrar que existem mais portas para serem abertas, não só aquelas que estamos acostumadas a ver.

    Kamylle Santos,

    Geoprocessing Technician II

    I was talking to some colleagues who said that in the past you didn’t see many women in the operational areas of the company, only in the offices, but then they started to occupy these spaces [...] I started here at Vale at the age of 21, in 2010, and I was the first intern and first technician in Geoprocessing at ports throughout the company. I am very happy to have arrived here and hope to inspire other women.

    Kamylle Santos,

    Geoprocessing Technician II

    I was talking to some colleagues who said that in the past you didn’t see many women in the operational areas of the company, only in the offices, but then they started to occupy these spaces [...] I started here at Vale at the age of 21, in 2010, and I was the first intern and first technician in Geoprocessing at ports throughout the company. I am very happy to have arrived here and hope to inspire other women.

    Amanda Lírio,

    Mining Engineer

    When I was selected for the 2020 Global Trainee Program, it was the first time I felt my black voice from the edge of society be heard. I wanted to see more black women in the more technical areas, which are dominated by white men [...] On my team, we have a strong example, a black woman in management. This not only inspires me, but sends a message: we're going to see more and more scenes like this and that's what Vale wants.

    Stephanie Almeida,

    Short-Term Geologist

    I, Stepanhie, am the first geologist from Pará to work in short-term geology at S11D [...] Where I came from, there were no other 'Stephanies'. I was the first in the family to get a college degree. Where I come from, no one went up in life by studying. I come from a place with few resources [...] The message I want to get across is: guys, it might be hard, but it's not impossible!

    Josiany Nunes,

    Occupational Safety Technician II

    I always thought I was someone who was inferior compared to others, since I was a child. Mostly due to the colour of my skin and height. Thanks to my coordinator, I managed to overcome this [...] With him, I learned that I am no less than anyone else. Now, I have the courage to go into executive management meetings and be the first to speak

    Angélica Azevedo,

    Administrative Assistant

    When I was being interviewed, I asked “Will I be able to grow here at Vale? I don't want to be stagnant like I was at other companies where I worked. I want to develop”. My manager at the time said that I would have all the support I needed for my development here. And it has been that way to this day. I learn something new every day and I have the support of my team and management.

    Marilia Andrade,

    Administrative Assistant II

    People didn't think that I would be able to join Vale and stay. I´m here today and December marks my 11-year anniversary at the company [...] When I joined the company, I only had a high school diploma. I am currently finishing my degree in Human Resources. [...] I'm really proud of that.

    Sarah Lopes,

    Contract Management Analyst

    People are not used to seeing people with disabilities and, sometimes, they look at me weird because of this, because they are not used to it. The more disabled people enter the labour market and occupy spaces, the less “weird” it will be.

    Silvia Cristina do Carmo,

    Equipment and Installation Operator I

    Here, I can express my opinions, I am heard, and I think this is very important. When we take a stand, we contribute to the whole.

    Kelly Silva,

    Installations Equipment Operator III

    For me, it is a great merit to be part of S11D´s history, the largest iron ore project in the world. I am very happy to maintain direct interaction with mine supervision, open dialogue with my team and our leadership and see that everything has changed. Vale is undergoing a transformation. We are a more humane and prejudice free Vale

    Camilla Szerman,

    Engineer

    I see my team as an inspiration. There are a lot of women, black people and LGBT people, all in an operational and front line area. I believe that a team as diverse as mine already says a lot, doesn´t it? It shows the change in leadership behavior and this is a reflection of the cultural transformation that Vale has been implementing

    Rosileide Silva,

    Administrative Assistant II

    We need to give people a voice, listen and, above all, learn from them. That is what Mining by Women is all about. It's great to have this moment. My wish is that it repeats itself and inspires many people to be the leader of their own stories inside and outside of Vale

    Kelly Silva,

    Installations Equipment Operator III

    For me, it is a great merit to be part of S11D´s history, the largest iron ore project in the world. I am very happy to maintain direct interaction with mine supervision, open dialogue with my team and our leadership and see that everything has changed. Vale is undergoing a transformation. We are a more humane and prejudice free Vale

    Camilla Szerman,

    Engineer

    I see my team as an inspiration. There are a lot of women, black people and LGBT people, all in an operational and front line area. I believe that a team as diverse as mine already says a lot, doesn´t it? It shows the change in leadership behavior and this is a reflection of the cultural transformation that Vale has been implementing

    Rosileide Silva,

    Administrative Assistant II

    We need to give people a voice, listen and, above all, learn from them. That is what Mining by Women is all about. It's great to have this moment. My wish is that it repeats itself and inspires many people to be the leader of their own stories inside and outside of Vale

    A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

    Marcely Lima,

    Rail Yard Engineer and Safety Leader
     

    My daily routine is the operation of a 1.1km train, with 110 railroad cars. I can say that women can be wherever they want to be. And Vale gives opportunities for women to make it happen.

    A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.
    A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

    Michelle Almeida,

    'Female' Deckhand

    What we do requires a certain kind of strength. Works that apparently belong to men, like pulling a cable. Women have the ability to do these things.

    Thaís Araujo,

    Electrician

    When I was hired in the electrical maintenance area of the plant, I was the only woman on my team. But I have never felt less capable than men.

    Débora Mendonça,

    Environmental Analyst

    I have a job that is really lined up with my purpose. [...] I am the curator of our entomological collection. It is a collection of preserved insects and it is the basis for the research development by various institutions in the country. It is important for scientific knowledge and technological innovation

    Josiane Dias,

    Truck Driver

    When I started, I didn't feel any prejudice from either the people or the team. On the contrary, everyone helped me and still helps me, they are wonderful people.

    Rosilane Duarte,

    'Off-Highway Truck Operator

    When I got close and looked at the size of the truck, I was amazed, I thought I could never do it. I even told my colleague - what are we doing here? (...) But we got used to it, the fear passed and it was great.

    Heloísa Oliveira ,

    Executive Manager of Mariana Complex

    My daughter,s name is Mariana, she carries the name of the complex that I work for. I met my husband in the city of Mariana, when I moved here. That name makes perfect sense to us. I only came to the city of Mariana because of this work. When I go to a meeting and say Mariana Complex, it is full of love.

    Adriana Lourenço,

    Equipment Instructor

    We can't miss the rhythm. I had an important experience with my special son and today I see that anything is possible, as long as we are organized. It is not easy, everything is very well worked. But it was worth it and it is still is. And I am always in continuous growth

    Miriam Souza,

    Occupational Safety Technician

    What surprises people the most is me being an operator, who worked with large machines and when I say that today I am in the security area. That is an area that requires a lot, because I pass on my knowledge to people

    Gabriela Castro,

    Mine Equipment Maintenance Manager

    “I know I had many opportunities at Vale. Since the day I joined Vale, I said I wanted to be a leader. And things have happened. We must be sure and clear about what we want and speak up. This is a woman's place.”

    Sâmia Nunes,

    Researcher at Vale Institute of Technology

    “I found out I was pregnant in May. Vale's support has been impressive regarding my health and my baby’s. We have access to information and we’re always involved in programs on the subject. (...) It’s a very attentive team that has helped me a lot.”

    Kilma Cunha,

    Mine Operation Manager

    “I manage a team of 310 employees. (...) I’m very proud of what I do because I like my job. I love mining; I like managing people and talking to the team. I can balance my personal and professional life but it requires a lot of discipline.”

    Pamella Almeida,

    Conveyor Belt Maintenance Technician

    “It was not easy to be where I am today. I bring my willpower and willing to make a difference at work, in our family, and in the world. It’s about conquering your space and showing that you’re competent.”

    Rosivânia França,

    Maintenance Technical Assistant

    “When I joined the team, there was only one woman. It’s very pleasing to see more women joining the company in management positions. I always say that I’m a fan of the girls who work at the operations. A woman's place is wherever she wants to be, including the electrics area.”

    Evanielly Heredia,

    Mobile Equipment Operator

    “I always want to learn more. I try to do my best at work and devote myself as much as possible. (...) You wonder so many things, to be there and watch things happen... it's magic. Everything requires study and knowledge.”

    Ellen Gaspar,

    Laboratory Technician III

    “Everything I do today, I learned at Vale's lab. I've learned and I'm still learning. But I also see myself as an example for other girls because I've been here longer.”

    Daniele Pippus,

    Emergency and Health Supervisor

    “I really like my job. I've always worked in the support area, dealing with people. It's very pleasing to me. I know I can help and contribute, then I will spare no effort.”

    Aline Pedro,

    Administrative Assistant

    “I was the first woman to join the team, but it was nice because I was warmly welcomed by them. Over the years, I've seen more women joining my area and I'm happy about it.”

    Amna Al Mamari,

    Administrative Specialist

    “To be a muslim does not mean to have a blocked mind. Islam is not like that. Islam is not a obstacle for your improvement, you can grow and improve yourself. You work, you can travel, you can achive your goals, you can do what you want”

    Theresa Nyabeze,

    Senior Mine Engineer

    “Everybody can teach somebody something. And I think that part of this journey that we are on for diversity and inclusion is going to be enable to buy a cultural mentorship. And that is a mentorship between people who are different from each other, so that we can all be learning and growing together.”

    Nella Yunita,

    Eletrician II

    “Electrician isn´t more a masculine field. When I started, people doubted me, interfere me. (...) Even my father was worried for me working on the field. But I prove to him, I passed all the tests, I said that he didn´t have to worry about my decision. “

    Renata Zingre,

    Country Manager at Vale in Switzerland

    “Motherhood has taught me a lot; it taught me to show empathy with people and be more objective at work. (...) By the time my two children were born, I worked at Vale; it is a huge challenge working in a 24-hour operations company, in different time zones, and being a mother.”

    Mira Noronha,

    Global Talent Acquisition Manager

    “You have the power to change people's life – people around you at the workplace. When you understand this power and potential, you realize it can be an opportunity to change the country.”

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    Women are conquering their space within the mining industry and from now on their presence will only increase.






     

    We have set a goal to double the representation of women in our workforce by 2030 and will work tirelessly to make them feel represented in an environment that is truly inclusive for all.

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    We are writing history together for the mining industry and want you to be a part of it