Breaking ground with the women redefining the mining industry

Linda Bjurholt, LKAB, Wendy Norman, ABB and Dr. Jane Mulenshi Gustafsson.

SKELLEFTEÅ, Sweden – The mining industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Once defined by rigid tradition, the sector is now being reshaped by rapid technological acceleration, a commitment to sustainability, and a new generation of leaders. At this year’s Euro Mine Expo, taking place in Skellefteå, these new voices will take center stage during the highly anticipated Women in Mining networking lunch on Wednesday, May 27.

Globally, women account for approximately 14 percent of the large-scale mining workforce. However, research consistently shows that diversity is a driver of success; companies with diverse leadership teams make better decisions and are significantly more likely to outperform their peers financially. Euro Mine Expo 2026 aims to highlight these individual success stories to inspire further change across the sector.

"Mining today sits at the intersection of engineering, society, and the future," says Wendy Norman, Sales Manager at ABB and one of the event's featured speakers. "Representation matters, and we all have a role in shaping the future of this industry."

Diverse Paths, Common Progress

The networking lunch will feature three accomplished professionals who have navigated vastly different paths into the industry:

• Linda Bjurholt (Area Manager Logistics, LKAB): Awarded “Årets Fe” (Woman of the Year in Mining/Steel) in 2025, Bjurholt oversees the complex logistics connecting Europe’s largest iron ore producer to global markets. With over two decades of experience, she emphasizes the need for constant awareness: "We need to keep our ‘gender glasses’ on—not just women, but men as well."
• Dr. Jane Mulenshi Gustafsson (Metallurgist, Boliden Mineral AB): Originally from Zambia, Dr. Gustafsson is a leader in sustainable metallurgy and process optimization. A strong advocate for mentorship, she believes that "true impact comes when diversity is coupled with inclusion, where individuals feel empowered to contribute meaningfully."
• Wendy Norman (Sales Manager Mining & Materials, ABB): With a career spanning South Africa, Canada, and Sweden, Norman leverages her international perspective to drive innovation. She views mining as a vital platform for meaningful global change and the energy transition.

A Global Movement

The event is organized by Women in Mining Sweden and Finland, part of the International Women in Mining Alliance—a global umbrella organization representing approximately 70 member organizations worldwide. The lunch is supported by industry leaders including ABB, Boliden, Epiroc, Foyen, LKAB, Kaunis Iron, Sandvik, Setterwalls, Svemin, Talga, and Viscaria.

"There is no single path into mining," says Sinnika Sjunnesson, Project Manager for Euro Mine Expo. "Whether driven by curiosity, coincidence, or calling, what matters is the opportunity to make an impact. We are proud to provide a platform where these stories can inspire the next generation of leaders."

Event Details

• What: Networking Lunch – Breaking Ground: Hear from women redefining mining
• When: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 12:00–14:00
• Where: Skellefteå Kraft Arena, ”Guldbaren”
• Registration: Pre-registration is required. Subject to availability, latecomers may be admitted, though attendance is not guaranteed.

For more information, contact:
Sinnika Sjunnesson, project manager

+46 70-661 15 64

sinnika.sjunnesson@nolia.se

Facts & Opening Hours Euro Mine Expo 2026, 26–28 May, Skellefteå

Exhibition Hours:

• Tuesday – Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Thursday: 10:00 – 15:00

Conference Hours:

• Tuesday: 13:00 – 17:00
• Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Thursday: 10:00 – 12:30

Location: Skellefteå Kraft Arena, Skellefteå, Sweden.

Euro Mine Expo is an international mining trade show and conference held every other year in Skellefteå. The event is organized by Nolia. Nolia AB creates attractive meeting places that promote positive growth for business and society in Norrland. We achieve this by organizing trade shows, conferences, and other events.