Women Power in Mining

In 2015, Alexandra Kraus began her training as the first female chemical technician at the K+S site in Neuhof-Ellers. At the age of just 16, she moved from Kassel to an unfamiliar area. She left her family and friends behind and was on her own for the first time. At first, the area seemed remote and lonely; at that time, production was firmly in the hands of men - and not all her colleagues were enthusiastic about having a woman on the team. But Alexandra Kraus wanted to prove herself; her interest in science and technology was too great. A desk job was out of the question for her; she wanted to get involved, experience the processes up close, and make a difference as a woman. This attitude did not meet with universal approval.

It didn't take long for the challenges to arrive. In particular, working with heavy equipment such as sledgehammers and pneumatic chisels was physically demanding at first. She also had to contend with the prejudices of her male colleagues. She kept doubting whether she could survive in this environment. But Alexandra proved otherwise. Her tireless dedication and perseverance were impressive. Her trainer, Manuel Müller, saw her potential and supported her every step of the way. And rightly so: in 2018, she successfully completed her training as a chemical technician in Neuhof - and is now a role model for many other young women.

After completing her training, Alexandra wanted to gain further qualifications in a technical field. In 2019, K+S made it possible for her to train as a process engineer at the Clausthal-Zellerfeld Technical College. The coronavirus pandemic made learning more difficult, as much of the training took place online and personal interaction was limited. Despite these obstacles, she successfully completed her training in 2021.                                                 

Back in Neuhof, she started as a production worker but was quickly promoted to forewoman due to staffing shortages. Again, she was met with skepticism. But Alexandra has proven once again that competence and commitment know no gender boundaries.

Since August 2024, Alexandra has been responsible for about ten employees as a Production Supervisor. Her varied duties include monitoring equipment, coordinating workflows, and ensuring quality and team spirit. "Promoting a positive working environment is just as important to me as optimizing production figures. Team spirit is crucial for success," says the now 25-year-old. Although she was the only woman in her department for a long time, the prejudices of the past are now a thing of the past. "We are a great team," says Alexandra. Since 2023, she has also been a member of the emergency response team.

The mining industry is changing. Long considered a male-dominated field, more and more women are venturing into technical careers and proving that they can not only keep up and get the job done, but also bring new perspectives to the table. Alexandra agrees: "It would be great to see more women in male-dominated professions!" Her own journey is an example of the rewards of overcoming obstacles. And that the future of mining can definitely be more feminine.

Outside of work, Alexandra loves nature and adventure. Her faithful companion is Louis, a Labrador, with whom she goes for long walks every day - even if it means getting up at 3:15 a.m. for the early shift. She used to ride her motorcycle a lot, but her shift work leaves her little time for that. She loves to spend her vacations by the sea, whether with her dog by the Baltic Sea or traveling to faraway countries. She is currently working on her scuba diving license so that she can experience the fascinating underwater world even more intensively. Even though her job is more than just a job, she enjoys the little things in her free time: meeting friends, going to a café, simply enjoying life.

Alexandra Kraus is impressive proof that women are not only welcome in mining, but also enrich the industry. Her career is a role model - and perhaps an inspiration - for many young women who are unsure whether they should venture into a man's world. The answer is a resounding yes!