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18 June 2025
Active allyship is crucial to reverse troubling diversity trends and foster true inclusion
In a compelling address to the B2Gold team during their AGM week, Angela Hamlyn, our CEO at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), emphasized the critical role of allyship in fostering a more equitable and sustainable mining industry. Her speech, delivered on the heels of International Day of Women in Mining, underscored the theme "Voices of Impact: A Year of Resilience and Recognition," focusing particularly on the power of action through allyship.
The Unsettling Reality: A Step Backwards
Hamlyn opened by acknowledging B2Gold's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion—a dedication not to be taken for granted in the sector. She highlighted the concerning trend in the Canadian mining workforce, when she entered the industry 18 years ago, women constituted 18% of the workforce; today, that number has regressed to less than 13%, according to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council’s 2024 report.
"That’s not progress—it’s regression," Hamlyn stated, pointing to narrowing pipelines, slipping retention, and critical "leaks" in the system. She warned that without deliberate action, the industry risks falling further behind, with consequences for innovation, safety, and long-term sustainability. While acknowledging broader initiatives, Hamlyn focused on the personal and immediate choices individuals can make to foster belonging through allyship.
Mentors vs. Allies: A Clear Distinction
Hamlyn clarified the often-blurred lines between mentorship and allyship, stressing that both are vital. "Think of a mentor as a kind of professional GPS—someone who helps you navigate your career, build skills, and weigh decisions," she explained. Mentors guide.
"An ally, on the other hand, doesn’t just guide the path—they help make sure the path itself is fair," Hamlyn asserted. Allies advocate by speaking up, redirecting credit, questioning biases, and amplifying unheard voices. "We need both to build workplaces where everyone can thrive."
The Profound Power of Words
Hamlyn underscored the impact of language in shaping inclusion. She shared a personal anecdote about being perceived differently after taking a career break to raise her son, revealing how even well-meaning words can cut deep. This echoed a pervasive issue in mining: the "death by a thousand cuts", the accumulation of daily signals that erode confidence and connection, often leading women to leave the industry. These subtle actions include dismissive comments, interruptions, uncredited contributions, and assumptions that undermine expertise.
"This is where allyship shows its true value," Hamlyn stated. "Allyship means noticing those cuts—and stepping in." It involves simple yet powerful actions like redirecting conversations, inviting missing voices, and modeling inclusive behavior.
Allyship: A Hard Thing, Not a Soft Skill
Hamlyn candidly admitted that allyship isn't always easy, especially in an industry with entrenched hierarchies and traditions. However, she emphasized that intention, not perfection, is key. "Start with listening. Ask before assuming. Offer support quietly, consistently. Step in without taking over," she advised. These small shifts build trust, which in turn builds momentum.
Hamlyn shared her personal journey, acknowledging the crucial role allies played in her career, including her historic appointment as the first female CEO of CIM in its 127-year history.
Organizational Allyship in Action: CIM and B2Gold
CIM is actively living its commitment to allyship. Over a decade ago, it became the first mining association to establish a Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee. CIM has partnered with organizations like Women in Mining and the Mining Association of Canada to advance this conversation across the industry.
B2Gold reflects our mission as an industry partner, as it was also lauded for its exemplary allyship. Guided by a 2021 Board policy, the company set a bold target of 30% gender diversity in leadership and has since surpassed it, with 40% of its directors identifying as gender diverse. B2Gold's investments in communities, supporting women and children, and fostering economic resilience further demonstrate a strategic and genuine commitment to allyship.
A Personal Challenge for Collective Change
Hamlyn concluded with a powerful personal challenge: "Ask yourself—Who’s been an ally to you? And who will you be an ally for, starting today? Let’s turn intention into action."
She encouraged the audience to leverage resources from CIM's YouTube channel and CIM Academy, citing "DEI in Mine Rescue" and "Activating Allies" as practical guides. "Inclusion isn’t a checklist. It’s a mindset," she affirmed. "It’s the courage to speak up—and the humility to listen. It’s a journey—and yes, sometimes it’s uncomfortable. But it’s in those moments that real change happens."
Angela Hamlyn’s address served as a powerful call to action, urging the industry to move beyond rhetoric and embrace the everyday choices that build inclusive environments where all voices can thrive.
Download: Allyship is Action—Practical Ways to Lead Inclusively Every Day
