RISING WOMAN 2025: Asha Mambo: A force driving change and diversity in mining engineering in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. Asha Mambo is a professional Mining Engineer with over 15 years of experience in the mining industry, specialising in managing open-pit quarries and underground operations.

Asha began her career in mining in 2009 as a graduate mining Engineer.

Over the years, she has worked with Mbeya Cement and Barrick Gold Corporation at both Tulawaka and North Mara Gold Mines.

She held various roles and advanced to management levels. Currently, she serves as the Territory/Country Manager for Orica Tanzania Limited, overseeing Orica’s operations in Tanzania.

Throughout her career, Asha has undertaken various mining roles, including mine planning, drill and blast operations, and managed a range of mining projects in Tanzania.

She made history as the first woman in Tanzania to attain the position of Underground Superintendent, overseeing underground operations at Barrick North Mara Gold Mine.

Asha has played a crucial role in the success of the mining industry due to her results-oriented approach, extensive experience, and ability to lead high-performing teams while maintaining efficiency and strong safety standards.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Mining Manager certificate from Western Australia.

Additionally, she is an active member of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), the Institution of Engineers Tanzania (IET), the IET Women Chapter, and the Tanzania Institute of Mining Engineers (TIME).

In the early 2000s, the mining industry in Tanzania was growing, and the future appeared bright as both the government and mining companies explored opportunities in the sector.

Asha saw this as a field worth pursuing. Her father, who worked in a Tanzanite mine in Arusha, also influenced her decision to enter the mining industry.

Supporting women in mining

Given that mining is a male-dominated industry, Asha is committed to supporting women to enter and excell in the field.

Whenever she serves on an interview panel, she prioritises hiring qualified female candidates where possible.

If both male and female candidates possess the same qualifications and skills, she chooses the female candidate, not out of bias, but to enhance women’s representation in mining.

She believes that diverse teams lead to improved innovations and better economic performance.

Additionally, Asha actively mentors several women in the industry to help them grow within the mining sector.

Thoughts on International Women’s Day Theme: Accelerate Her Impact

She strongly supports the theme, as it emphasises collective efforts to ensure that women are seen, supported, and celebrated.

She believes it is essential to have clear action plans that help women reach their full potential.

Mentoring women in mining

Currently, Asha is mentoring seven women, all of whom are in mining engineering.

She is committed to guiding them through their careers and ensuring they have the necessary support to excel in the industry.

Asha highlights several challenges that women encounter in attaining leadership roles, including, bias and discrimination, lack of mentorship and networking opportunities, work-life balance challenges limited access to development training.

She emphasises the need for companies to address these challenges to create an enabling environment for women to advance in leadership.

Asha advises women to be prepared, equip themselves with the right skills, and remain competent in their work.

She encourages them to adopt the right attitude and continuously seek learning opportunities.

According to her, when a leadership position opens up, decision-makers should already have their names in mind due to their demonstrated competence and hard work.

To overcome these challenges, Asha advocates for mining companies to establish policies that ensure women are treated equally and given the necessary support to thrive.

She also calls for the creation of mentorship and networking platforms for women and the implementation of clear succession plans that outline career growth.

Role model and inspiration

Asha’s role model is Refiloe Kekana, her former leader who served as the Orica Area Business Manager for Africa South.

She admires Refiloe’s hard work, availability to support her team, humility, resilience and dedication to ensuring that more women get a seat at the table.

Asha values her leadership style, which is rooted in respect and inclusivity.

Creating a supportive environment for women in mining

Since many mining operations are located in remote areas and require long working hours, Asha emphasises the importance of flexible working arrangements.

She suggests that companies should create policies that allow women with children to work in an environment that accommodates their needs.

This would help retain talented women in the mining sector instead of losing them due to challenges related to balancing work and family life.

Asha Mambo’s journey in the mining industry serves as an inspiration to many women aspiring to enter and excel in the field.

Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, she is playing a significant role in promoting gender diversity in the industry.

Her dedication to empowering women and addressing the challenges they face highlights her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable mining sector.

Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation