Gender and mining: Assessing the landscape for women entrepreneurs in the critical minerals supply chain

What are the implications of enclavity in mining for women entrepreneurs within the critical minerals supply chain? This article seeks to reframe gender considerations in mining by examining it through the lens of the industry's enclave characteristic. Specifically, it explores the challenges and opportunities encountered by local women business owners operating in the critical minerals sector. Drawing on field research from Ghana, the article demonstrates that the diverse identities of women involved in mining activities are crucial for effective Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices during the transition to critical minerals. Despite the historical significance of women in mining, sociocultural factors continue to shape their participation. Over time, various efforts have been made to meaningfully engage women in mining through research advancements and policy reforms. However, these have primarily centred on the mining workforce, overlooking the broader supply chain. This focus has obscured the complexities faced by women in large-scale mining operations, limiting approaches to addressing gender disparities within the sector. The findings suggest that enclavity presents unique obstacles for local women entrepreneurs in the critical minerals supply chain, impeding the prospects of achieving inclusive and sustained development. Yet, opportunities may exist, provided there is a robust understanding of enclavity.