Passionate about mining

Anna Friebel's morning starts above ground meeting the other miners. Together with her colleague, she gets an overview of which tasks need to be completed and assigns employees according to their skills. Once underground, she clarifies any unanswered questions before reaching for her tablet, opening the door of her jeep, and driving to the district.

During her school days, Anna Friebel developed a keen interest in natural sciences. She describes herself as a pragmatic, hands-on type, finding applied geosciences a versatile and exciting field of study. She completed her bachelor's and master's degrees at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Geotechnical emphases and basic research were part of her education. One area in particular fascinated her: deposit science.

Anna Friebel's passion and fascination for mining emerged during one of her first excursions underground in Bernburg. "In Bernburg the area underground is huge, for the first time I saw the big machines, and after that I was completely fascinated."

"For me, it was different from most miners: I didn't have a father who worked in mining, and I didn't have a plant on my doorstep, so I didn't have regional roots in mining." In deposit science, she learned how deposits are formed, how to classify mineral contents, and how mining and processing occur. "It all went smoothly, I learned about the geological phenomena and got better and better at linking processes to each other."

"After graduating, I searched for jobs both nationally and internationally. Originally, I wanted to apply as a geologist at K+S. In a conversation with Gerd Kübler, I learned about the trainee program as an entry-level opportunity. It was a great fit for my interests at the time." 

In terms of content, the mining trainee program is actually intended for mining engineers, but it is also just right for 'mining fan' and geologist Anna Friebel. The introductory phase in Kassel is followed by assignments at various K+S mine sites. Her current assignment location: Neuhof-Ellers.

"The trainee program provides me with the opportunity to look into many different areas." She learns about the underground mining processes and the mandatory occupational safety measures while assisting the supervisors. Managing employees on her own responsibility is also part of the foreman duties. "Part of my daily work is to supervise the work progress of the employees. The mining steps are very varied, and I supervise all the steps and talk to everyone several times in a shift. If there are problems, I coordinate with my colleagues, and we come to a solution together." Cross-functional projects with colleagues at the Kassel site are also part of the program.

The actual job of a geologist underground is exploration. "I have the advantage of being closer. My studies have given me a lot of knowledge for the position. I can get a sense of the big picture, understand the raw materials and the deposit. It gets especially exciting when we're on the deposit edge."

Special for her: "Being underground every day, in the special working environment. The initial phase is very learning-intensive. I gain experience and benefit from the miners' experiences, which they share with me as a beginner. I didn't have a conventional start as a mining engineer, so I'm taking full advantage here."

"My experience so far has been very positive. I have been warmly received by my colleagues and feel very much at home. I come from a sports background, which has helped me a lot. The team spirit is very important to me. My work as a handball referee has given me self-confidence in my appearance," adds Anna Friebel. She emphasizes: "Communication is very important, and I demand it. So is criticism - I know that I make mistakes, and I can only grow from that. The miners are my mainstays, and they have the experience."  

What Anna Friebel takes for granted was not allowed until March 25, 2009. According to Section 64a of the German Mining Act (BBergG), women were not allowed to be employed in underground mining. The drastic ban on employment has been lifted, but women are still underrepresented in the industry.

"Women need not be shy about the field of work. At first, it's a dark unknown world, but the longer I'm here, the more I realize that women can do just as many different activities. If you like the special environment, you can also work here as a locksmith or electrician, for example," says Anna Friebel.

The nonprofit International Women in Mining (IWiM) shares this attitude and invites the global mining industry to celebrate women in mining. Each year on June 15, the mining industry celebrates the women who had been, are and will be part of the sector. This is to encourage women to share their passion for the industry with others and to recognize the industry's past achievements in gender equality.

Today’s International Women in Mining Day 2023 (IDWIM 2023) aims to show how gender inclusion can be one of the industry's greatest assets in paving the way for a more sustainable, diverse and inclusive mining industry.

One of Anna Friebel's concerns is to raise awareness of her profession. "The tasks are not harder or easier but working here as a woman is still something extraordinary. I want to show that it's a fantastic working environment and the team spirit is great."

"K+S is a very good employer when it comes to development opportunities for young people. As a trainee, I get to learn new things every day and additionally help shape projects. I'm excited to see how my future develops here and I'm grateful to have a network of supporters." In conclusion, Anna Friebel says, "I look forward to many new challenges and wish to be a role model for others with my work."