Following an extensive search process, women-representative volunteer organisation Women in Mining UK (WiM UK) has appointed Gina Jardine as the new chairperson of its board.

Jardine succeeds Carole Cable, who retired from the board after serving as chairperson for the past seven years, WiM UK reported in July.

“It has been a great honour to have served as chair of WiM UK. I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments which couldn’t have been achieved without our incredible volunteers, partners and allies. To all of you, thank you for your dedication and support,” says Cable.

She praises Jardine’s extensive experience in mining and her focus on people, diversity and culture, expressing confidence in Jardine’s ability to lead WiM UK, given Jardine’s strong track record of strategic leadership in executive and nonexecutive roles.

“I am confident that she will provide immense value to WiM UK and all our members and partners,” enthuses Cable.

She adds that this is an exciting time for mining and the role women can play in shaping the future of the industry as a responsible provider of critical materials necessary for decarbonisation and global growth.

Jardine is a global human resources professional with over 30 years of experience in senior strategic and operational roles. She has spent more than half of her career working for mining companies, including Rio Tinto and Kinross Gold Corporation.

Jardine retired from her executive career in 2023 and has since founded her own boutique consultancy, working with leaders to design and transform their businesses with a focus on people and culture.

Having lived and worked in the UK, Australia and Canada, Jardine is now based in London and serves as a nonexecutive director on the board of building material manufacturer and distributor Forterra.

“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as the chair of the WiM UK board of directors. I am passionate about the mining industry, particularly its opportunities for women,” she says.

Jardine adds that the shift towards decarbonisation calls for diverse and innovative approaches in critical minerals supply, making it a “perfect moment” for women to lead and take on even more significant roles.

She expresses that this role enables her to expand upon WiM UK’s already impressive accomplishments, elaborating that she looks forward to working closely with WiM UK MD Stacy Hope, the rest of the executive team and the board of directors, as well as volunteers and members.

Hope welcomes Jardine and acknowledges Cable’s valuable contributions, adding that beyond having deep knowledge and expertise in the mining industry, her insights and guidance have been “incredibly valuable” to her and WiM UK.

Hope highlighted the significance of Jardine transitioning into the role during a year where WiM UK is celebrating its biennial ‘100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining’ publication, and anticipates further success in promoting the employment, retention and advancement of women in the mining sector.

“On behalf of everyone at WiM UK, I wish Carole well and look forward to working closely with Gina to deliver on promoting the employment, retention and advancement of women in the mining sector,” says Hope.

As part of WiM UK’s ongoing succession planning, the rigorous and comprehensive search process was undertaken by the board of directors and led by global executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.