Catherine Kuupol Kuutor: Ghana’s First Female Mine Manager and Advocate for Women in STEM

Catherine Kuupol Kuutor is a trailblazer in the mining industry and a passionate advocate for women in STEM.

She made history in May 2024 by becoming the first female manager of a mining operation in Ghana when she took on the role of Manager at the Tarkwa Mine. In this capacity, she oversees all aspects of the mine’s operations, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, while also fostering responsible mining practices.

Career Journey

Catherine’s career in the mining sector spans more than 20 years. She began her professional journey in 2004 as a Senior Metallurgist at Golden Star Resources Ltd., where she developed a strong foundation in mineral extraction. Her dedication and expertise led her to join Gold Fields Ghana in 2013, where she quickly advanced through several key leadership roles:

• Metallurgical Superintendent, Damang Mine (2013–2015): Managed mineral extraction and the tailings storage facility.
• Unit Manager - Metallurgy, Damang Mine (2015–2017): Led the metallurgy unit with a focus on optimizing metallurgical processes.
• Metallurgical Manager, Damang Mine (2017–2022): Directed metallurgical operations and maintained strict safety and environmental standards.
• Metallurgical Manager, Tarkwa and Damang Mines (2022–2024): Oversaw operations for both mines, ensuring effective mineral processing and responsible mining practices.

Education

Catherine is committed to continuous professional development and academic excellence. Her educational qualifications in Mining and Mineral Engineering include:

• Higher National Diploma from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (1999–2002).
• Master's in Mineral Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa (2007–2011).
• PhD Candidate in Mining and Mineral Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa (started in 2018).

Advocacy for Women in STEM

In addition to her groundbreaking role in mining management, Catherine is a strong advocate for increasing women's participation in STEM fields. She is dedicated to mentoring young women and encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her leadership goes beyond her professional duties, as she actively works to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the mining industry.

Connect with Catherine

For more information about Catherine Kuupol Kuutor and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn.