Regional Director Brownfields Exploration, North America at Kinross Gold
Quote
“Don’t ever think of feel that you don’t belong. Your presence, perspective, and voice are just as important as everyone else’s. You can make important business contributions no matter what level or amount of experience you have Be open to experiences, challenge your assumptions, and be aware of a victim vs. warrior mindset. Also, say yes to opportunities, allow yourself to be uncomfortable and be adventurous. Remember that your style of leadership can be your own. Don’t try to be someone you aren’t because at any level, you can take control of how you respond to situations and how you treat others”
Biography
Kathleen Autenrieth is a proud miner and finds the industry fascinating: the resources are finite, deposits are becoming more difficult to find and she works across a mine’s entire lifecycle – from before production to reclamation.
Kathleen created actions around Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the Round Mountain Mine in Nevada. She found it incredibly meaningful to bring a woman’s perspective, but it also took a certain level of bravery to bring up the topic at a mine site dominated by traditional views. She was careful to maintain the right balance of information without putting anyone on the defensive. This work led to a number of great conversations around the many facets of EDI. Kathleen was also involved in the creation of a subgroup of women to help each other identify skills to grow; create mentorship, sponsorship, and networking opportunities; encourage and cerate connection opportunities; and help each other have a voice.
To promote mining as a career choice, Kathleen regularly gives talks at schools and universities. She shows examples of successful and sustainable reclamation, and shares her pride in Kinross’s environmental stewardship. She also wants to keep herself visible among girls and young women so that they can see it is possible to be a woman as well as a scientist and a leader in the mining industry.
Kathleen is also a published author, having written three scientific articles about Idaho’s geology:
- Link, P, Autenrieth, K et al. (2017). U-Pb zircon ages of the Wildhorse gneiss, Pioneer Mountains, south-central Idaho, and tectonic implications. Geosphere. 13. GES01418.1. DOI: 10.1130/GES01418.1
- Welhan, J, Autenrieth, K et al. (2012). Preliminary Characterization of the Geothermal Systemat Stanley, Idaho, for Possible Resource Utilization. Transactions – Geothermal Resources Council. 36.
- Autenrieth, K, Mccurry, M et al. (2011). Conceptual Subsurface Model of the Blackfoot Volcanic Field, Southeast Idaho: A Potential Hidden Geothermal Resource. Transactions – Geothermal Resources Council. 35.
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