Abstract
With increasing diversity within the mining sector, and specifically an increase in women in surface and underground mining and processing operations, a strategy is needed to support women’s reproductive health in the industry. Research on workplace hazards has focused on the male experience, and particularly the non-pregnant worker. Regulated and recommended occupational exposure levels are not developed or established for the pregnant employee. Guidance is needed to best support pregnancies and birth outcomes. The history of women in mining will be discussed and the journey to meaningful employment and inclusion. The importance of advancing equal employment opportunity and human rights in workplace will be highlighted. The significant increase in women in mining has been linked to positive economic and sustainable growth for the industry. As mining companies look to recruit and retain women in their operations, hazard recognition, health protection and risk mitigation must be considered. Rights to reproductive health will be discussed based on regulation and international policy. Findings from literature reviews conducted to identify potential or confirmed reproductive hazards in mining will be presented, including heat stress, lead, noise, and whole-body vibration. Gaps in information will be highlighted and the need for future research discussed. Reproductive hazards will be presented along with their potential health outcomes, and control recommendations to mitigate risk.