Women Trailblazers in Mining

In the male-dominated world of mining, women are increasingly stepping into key leadership roles, bringing a wealth of expertise, fresh perspectives, and unmatched resilience. One such trailblazer is Thelma Horsfield, general manager of WearCheck Water, a division of WearCheck, renowned for its expertise in fluid analysis and condition monitoring.

With a career spanning nearly three decades in the mining and analytical chemistry sector, Thelma’s journey is a testament to grit, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Initially drawn to the medical field, she accepted a bursary from ArcelorMittal (then Iscor) to study Analytical Chemistry – an opportunity that set her on a path to play a vital role in the mining industry. ‘It was more important to make a sensible decision that worked for myself and my family,’ she reflects. ‘I’ve never regretted it.’

Today, Thelma leads a team – 95% of whom are women – in the specialised field of water analysis for the mining sector as well as for other industrial sectors, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe operational conditions. Her work is critical to maintaining high standards in water quality monitoring, a cornerstone of sustainable mining and environmental stewardship.

But the road was not always smooth – as a young woman and shift leader in a plant at Anglo Platinum, Horsfield faced the daunting challenge of managing an all-male team. ‘I was 27 years old, shy, and soft spoken,’ she recalls. ‘I had to dig deep to find my confidence and ensure my voice was heard and respected.’

Her story reflects broader shifts in the mining sector. ‘When I started, men were often paid more simply because they were seen as breadwinners. That’s slowly changing. Abilities and responsibilities—not gender—must define a person’s value,’ she says. She’s encouraged by the growing number of women in supervisory and management roles, but acknowledges that there is still progress to be made in areas such as pay equity and workplace flexibility.

Through structured training, mentorship, and a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, WearCheck Water actively supports women’s advancement. Thelma also points to external support networks like Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) as invaluable to career development.

For women entering the sector, Thelma offers this advice: ‘Build a strong network, keep your technical skills up to date, and invest in your soft skills and confidence. There’s always something new to learn—especially in analytical fields where accuracy, critical thinking, and attention to detail are vital.’

In her experience, women bring unique strengths to the mining sector, especially in analytical roles. ‘Women often excel at multitasking, planning, and managing complex systems with precision. These skills are critical in condition monitoring, where accurate data and timely interpretation directly impact equipment performance and safety.’

As Thelma continues to lead with vision and compassion, she remains a shining example of how women are not just participating in mining – they are transforming it.

For further information, please visit www.wearcheck.co.za, call +27 (31) 700-5460 or email marketing@wearcheck.co.za.