In a new chapter of Shared History, the series of meetings organized by the San Juan Mining Chamber with journalists, three styles of female leadership in the mining industry were presented.
By Panorama Minero
Argentina’s Mining Industry Has a Female Representation Rate of Just 5% in Executive Positions. Women hold only 5% of executive roles in Argentina’s mining industry, with that figure increasing slightly to 10% in mid-level management and reaching 15% in operational roles. The majority of women work in administrative positions.
During the Shared History event, moderated by Laura Hernández, President of WIM Argentina, three women working in mining shared their personal stories, describing how they entered the industry and reflecting on education and training in the sector. The discussion also addressed the need for companies to create opportunities and spaces that enable more women to take on leadership roles.
Originally from the Sarmiento department and currently working as a Maerz kiln operator at Calera San Juan, Daiana Manrique shared how she entered the mining sector. Motivated by her family’s long-standing connection to the lime industry in the southern part of the province, she took on the challenge and decided to pursue a career in mining. This family background gave her the confidence to step into the industry.
Regarding the work roster and how she balances professional duties with family life, Daiana acknowledged that the rotating shifts were initially challenging. However, as a mother, she managed to adapt both personally and with her children. She also highlighted the growth opportunities that Calera San Juan offers to many young people from the Sarmiento department.
A geologist by profession, Cintia Marquetti was appointed Head of Metals Exploration for Latin America at Fortescue in 2019. Her career includes experience in the public sector—through research and exploration projects at the Argentine Geological Mining Service (SEGEMAR)—as well as in the private sector with international companies.
Her passion for natural sciences began in childhood, further fueled by her father’s work at Aluar. Visits to the factory sparked her fascination with smelting furnaces and metals.
Marquetti emphasized the fundamental role of geology in mining, while also valuing the interdisciplinary collaboration with professionals in fields such as law, finance, and communications. She highlighted the importance of teamwork: “It’s about combining experienced professionals with young people who bring innovation and new ideas.”
Married to a fellow geologist who has always worked on a roster schedule, this shared experience helped her understand and navigate her own professional path. After adapting to motherhood—while also teaching at the University of La Plata and consulting for international firms—Cintia was appointed to her current role at Fortescue.
“This role requires a lot of responsibility and travel. My husband is a great support—together we manage a family roster. I think it's a good example for my daughters to see their mother happy doing something that isn’t always easy,” she said.
Analía García—Manager of Government Relations and Sustainable Development at Barrick, and currently Vice President of the San Juan Mining Chamber (the first woman to hold this leadership position)—also shared her journey into the mining sector.
With parents involved in the oil industry and a background in social sciences, García explained: “My connection to the mining sector, and to the territories where there is a significant human intervention in nature, stems from intellectual discussions, beginning with the abstract and the conceptual.” She emphasized her interest in being out in the field, working in direct contact with people.
“Any job can be done by a man, a woman, or any gender, but we often operate in environments where masculinity tends to dominate,” García noted. She explained that entering the workforce may sometimes require “taking a few extra turns—to get there, to be seen, or to be recognized—especially when contributing from a different perspective.”
When asked about leadership and working with teams, she added: “I don’t think it’s about gender. It’s about the ability to create work environments that offer equal opportunities, so that people who are passionate, committed, and creative can thrive.”
From her role as VP of the San Juan Mining Chamber, García also reflected: “Having worked in various provinces across Argentina, I can say that San Juan is full of future opportunities. It has all the potential to keep growing. And within that context, it’s truly reassuring to work in an environment where there’s strong dialogue—not just among operating companies, but also with suppliers, communities, and the provincial government.”
Daiana Manrique: “Women should go for it”
“At Calera San Juan, 21% of our 300 employees are women. I'm here to represent all of them—not just those in administrative roles, but also in production. My message is for women to go for it. I’ve talked to many women who hesitate because they think this is a man’s job. But it is possible—in my case, even as a mother. I invite women to take the leap. It can be done.”
Cintia Marquetti: “The industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive”
“To young women: study, get trained, and specialize in whatever you're most passionate about. Give it a try, and don’t think of this as a men’s industry, because mining has many different sides. There’s so much to do and contribute to in mining projects—it’s not just what the industry represented in the past. Mining has been transforming, and it’s becoming more diverse and inclusive, because the evolution of the industry demands it. The mining of the past is no longer viable for today.”
Analía García: “Nothing is incompatible if you do it with love and dedication”
“My message would be: get trained, study what you love, and never stop looking for spaces where you can grow. That’s how you might end up discovering mining—especially in our province. And we also need to move past the idea that gender defines our roles. Women shouldn’t have to justify taking on certain roles—men don’t. We need to stop over explaining everything. And we must remember: nothing is incompatible with anything if you do it with love and dedication.”
