Significant findings emerge from a comprehensive study on the mental health of WA mine workers

Results from The Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program Landmark Study show incidents of sexual coercion and unwelcome sexual advances in the Western Australian mining industry are on the decline. Nevertheless, the study highlights that gender discrimination and sexism continue to be major issues in the mining sector.

The Centre for Transformative Work at Curtin University conducted a survey involving more than 2,500 workers and carried out detailed interviews with 60 people to explore their perspectives on three key areas. These include promoting mental well-being in the workplace, fostering a culture of safety and respect, and preparing for future safety measures in the mining industry

The Chief Investigator of the MARS Program Landmark Study, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker, revealed that 40% of miners in WA expressed job satisfaction, while nearly 30% indicated their intention to seek new employment within the next year.

“Our research found one in three mining workers experiences emotional exhaustion regularly, indicating high levels of burnout. Disturbingly, covert forms of sexual harassment, including sexism and misogyny, persist,” Professor Parker said.

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