Asha Mambo: Championing Change and Diversity in Mining Engineering in Tanzania

Asha Mambo, a pioneering Mining Engineer in Tanzania, has over 15 years of experience and currently manages Orica Tanzania Limited. She is dedicated to promoting diversity in mining by supporting the hiring and mentorship of women. Asha’s efforts aim to address the challenges women face in the industry, enhancing female representation and leadership.

Asha Mambo is an esteemed Mining Engineer in Tanzania, renowned for her impactful contributions to the mining industry. With over 15 years of experience, Asha specializes in managing both open-pit quarries and underground operations. She began her career in 2009 as a graduate mining engineer, gaining extensive experience with prominent companies such as Mbeya Cement and Barrick Gold Corporation. Presently, she holds the role of Territory/Country Manager for Orica Tanzania Limited, where she oversees the company’s operations.

Asha’s portfolio includes various roles, such as mine planning and drill and blast operations. Notably, she made history by becoming the first woman in Tanzania to serve as an Underground Superintendent at the Barrick North Mara Gold Mine. Her results-oriented approach and leadership skills have significantly contributed to the mining sector’s success, emphasizing efficiency and safety.

Educated with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Mining Manager certificate from Western Australia, Asha is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Engineers Registration Board and the Institution of Engineers Tanzania, where she promotes the advancement of women in engineering.

Recognizing mining as a male-dominated industry, Asha prioritizes female representation by advocating for the hiring of qualified women during interviews. She believes in enhancing diversity within teams to foster innovation and economic performance. Asha is also a dedicated mentor, currently guiding seven women in their engineering careers while addressing challenges such as bias and a lack of networking opportunities.

Supporting the theme of International Women’s Day, “Accelerate Her Impact,” Asha underscores the importance of actionable plans to empower women. She highlights the necessity for companies to create enabling environments, establish mentorship programs, and ensure equal treatment of women in leadership roles. Asha advises her mentees to cultivate competence and seize learning opportunities.

Asha Mambo exemplifies leadership and advocacy for women in the mining sector, demonstrating how women can excel in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her commitment to mentorship, combined with her strategic approach to hiring women, contributes to creating a more inclusive mining environment. Asha’s initiatives not only empower women but also promote gender diversity, ultimately benefiting the mining sector as a whole.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz