Rachael Paul
We are proud to celebrate that Rachael Paul, Senior Underground Mine Geologist at Scotgold Resources has been recognised as a “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” #WIM 100, in the Women in Mining UK’s 2022 edition.
The WIM100 highlights the wealth of female talent within the global mining industry, celebrates their “above & beyond” contributions to the industry, and identifies role models for future generations.
Rachael’s story
From Edinburgh, Rachael Paul walked past the gates of the Cononish mine in Scotland as a young child. Growing up, inspired by geology, she applied for work experience at the very same gold mine where she would return to her roots to become a Senior Underground Mine Geologist 11 years later.
“We are proud to see Rachael recognised for her outstanding achievements within the mining industry. Rachael demonstrates passion, direction and dedication to her work and the team around her at Scotgold – helping to lead progress and growth from the front. We hope her story will inspire future talent in Scotland and the UK, to choose careers in mining.”Phil Day, CEO, Scotgold Resources
After graduating from the University of St Andrews and Camborne School of Mines, Rachael joined Komoto Copper Company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, becoming a Senior Open Pit Mine Geologist in just over two years. Joining a team of over 7,000 people, Rachael led the way as one of 3 geologists and one of only 10 women on site.
DDuring her time at Scotgold, Rachael has updated the Company’s approach to grade control across the mine including mapping and underground core drilling. Self-driven, she has worked tirelessly to build geological systems at the Cononish Gold Mine, Tyndrum, Scotland, to help build the new mine into a cash generative operation. Rachael works collegiately, sharing geological knowledge across other departments, believing that if a team can work together and understand each departments background and strengths, then it can only benefit mining operation and industry.
Rachael is also a strong advocate for others having launched Scotgold’s student placement scheme and annual student bursary with the University of St Andrews, Scotland. She mentors students with great passion about the geology around her and ensuring that students have an opportunity to be active in the day-to-day operations at Cononish. For the benefit of younger rock-hounds, Rachael has led geology-orientated evenings at the local Beaver Scout group where she volunteers as an assistant leader.
Q&A WITH RACHAEL, ON BEING A WOMAN IN MINING
1. What made you join the mining industry and what inspires you to stay?
“I joined the mining industry as I was excited by the varied work… one minute you can be presenting to the board of directors and the next minute you’re underground chiselling into a rock face identifying sulphides. As someone who enjoys flexing my brain and muscles, I feel the mining industry allows a wide variety of skills to be utilised.”
2. What has been your best — bravest, most exciting, most challenging, or most meaningful — moment working in the mining sector?
“My proudest moment in the mining sector was creating the geological map of the KOV deposit whilst working for Kamoto Copper Company. The open pit had been geologically studied, but never fully mapped and over several years (25 benches each 5km in length) I thrived, taking it from making paper maps, digitising lithologies, to creating a 3D structural model which could be updated with scripted macros as drilling progressed. Completing the mapping cycle and training junior geologists and technicians was a very rewarding moment. Since joining the Scotgold team, I’ve taken this experience and directly applied it to mapping the mine here in Scotland. My proudest moment has been growing the geological team. When I began, I was the only mine geologist however we have now grown to a team of 3 who can share ideas and skills. I have relished training up the others on geological mapping and modelling, as well as watching them improve their knowledge, understanding and passion for our Cononish Scottish gold!”
3. What do you believe you are doing to help the industry remain relevant, or become fit for the future?
“The ability to keep current with new technologies now and in the future is vital for the industry. I can use a range of mining software, and enjoy the challenge of scripting and macro writing, to automate date importing and model creating. I am passionate about sharing these skills with my colleagues through regular training sessions.”
4. Who inspires you?
“I am inspired by Janet Watson who was the first female president of the geological society of London in 1982. She was passionate about Precambrian Scottish rocks and despite her success in the Academia, always made time to continue her field work on the structural evolution of Lewis gneiss. I am inspired by her ability to priorities her passions whilst juggling the pressures of a success career. She was a pioneer in her field and a role model for all female geologists.”
5.What advice would you give to a woman entering the industry today?
“My advice for women entering the industry would be… be assertive. As a young woman first entering the industry, I often had lots of ideas, but was often too apprehensive to share them, worried that they would just be dismissed. However, remember that we are smarter and stronger than we give ourselves credit for, so follow through with ideas, explain yourself clearly and concisely, and be assertive with your words and actions. You’ve got this!”
6. As a WIM100, what will you do now for the future?
“I’m excited about the future of the mining industry with more women than ever making an impact. I believe that increasing opportunities for women entering the industry is crucial, therefore I am excited to strengthen the industry-academic partnership that I set up with St Andrews University and Scotgold Resources and open it up to additional institutions. By the means of mentoring, lectures, workshops and placements, more females will be encouraged to enter the industry and see it as a viable and exciting career choice.”
The 2022 edition of “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” #WIM 100, compiled by Women in Mining (‘WIM UK’) and sponsored by BMO Capital Markets, Heidrick & Struggles and Boston Consulting Group).
The 2022 edition of the WIM100 can be downloaded from the Women in Mining UK website.
