Mining has a long history in Papua New Guinea, dating back to thousands of years when indigenous communities engaged in small-scale mining.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) of PNG plays a crucial role in regulating the Mining Industry. One of the most significant impact it can have is to allow for the inclusion of women in underground mines.

As a female Mining Engineer in Papua New Guinea, I along with fellow women in the Engineering, Surveying, and Geology fields are restricted from going underground to work, while men are free to do so.

Regardless of the growing number of women graduating from the said fields over the years, nothing has been effectively done to change this law. This outdated restriction not only hampers our professional growth but also perpetuates gender inequality in the mining industry. According to a 2019 report by the World Bank, gender diversity can improve productivity and innovation within industries. It's time for Papua New Guinea to modernize its laws and allow qualified women to work underground alongside their male counterparts.

Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers to amend the PNG Mining (Safety) Act and promote equal opportunities for all professionals in mining.

Mining (Safety) Act 1977, Section 23, sub-section (2) "In no case shall a female be employed or work underground."