Women underground – the exciting daily routine in a male domain
It has always been a myth that women and technology are mutually exclusive. But in recent years, more and more women are courageously taking their skills into their own hands – and disproving the stereotypes. Modern employers welcome these women with open arms.
© Sandvik
One example is Kerstin Ratsch from Saxony-Anhalt. The 41-year-old has been working for Sandvik since September 2022 in a "fascinating role," as she herself still describes it today, even with all the routine that has long since set in, of course. Kerstin Ratsch works in field sales for the "Mining and Rock Solutions" division: As a sales professional in the Sandvik Parts and Service Sales Representative team, underground machines from the Swedish market leader are her specialty. In the underground world of potash and salt mining, Kerstin Ratsch looks after vehicles and machines for Sandvik at five mine sites of K+S group Minerals and Agriculture GmbH in Germany.
It is as exciting as it sounds, Kerstin Ratsch thinks. Special rules apply in the workplace at a depth of a thousand meters. Kerstin Ratsch knows that from her experience as part of Sandvik's mining team. Her motto about an unusual job in and with underground technology is: “Woman in mining? – dare!” The interview with Kersten Ratsch shows what is meant by this:
© Sandvik
The most important question first: What does a woman do as a Parts and Service Sales Representative for Sandvik in the specific business unit "Mining and Rock Solutions"?
Kerstin Ratsch: I am responsible for all K+S sites in Germany, where I form the link between the customer and Sandvik as the manufacturer. This concerns the need for spare parts or also the coordination of service appointments for the entire Sandvik fleet in the mines – consisting of loaders and trucks as well as cutting technology. Several times a month I go underground – that makes the difference and the real variety, although of course desk work is the main part for me.
What attracted you to underground mining?
Kerstin Ratsch: It's simply a completely different world that has opened up to me here and fascinates me every time. The environmental conditions are very special, with temperatures sometimes around 40 degrees and salt dust – but nothing you can't stand. On the other hand, I have seen impressive things like meter-high salt domes and the brute force of our machines in action, or simply complete darkness and silence. There's always something special about driving for kilometers through the rock mass underground. But that's just one facet. There's also the human element: I find the team spirit and the willingness to help underground to be something very positive. I like the relaxed manner – you're on a first-name basis – and it directly creates a very special collegial relationship.
© Sandvik
There aren't many jobs like this anymore, so you get curious. What does the career of a self-confident woman who looks after heavy machinery in mines look like?
Kerstin Ratsch: It often starts in childhood – that's probably the same for boys and girls. I myself have always had more of a penchant for “male” hobbies. I played soccer when I was young and have always had a certain affinity for cars, trucks and excavators – although I haven't really studied them in detail. The concrete interest in mining, however, really only developed in the course of my professional career.
Your way "into the underworld" was not straight but purposeful. Did it just take time to dare to do it?
Kerstin Ratsch: Yes, in fact my life path after school pointed in a completely different direction for a short time and I began to study to be a teacher. After two years of basic studies, however, I switched to technical practice. Over the following almost two decades, I worked for an internationally active manufacturer of materials handling equipment. This was mainly in the office, but I already had intensive contact with the mining world here.
You even had a successful career – why then the change to the world of underground equipment?
Kerstin Ratsch: That's right, from 2020 onwards, in the position as office manager for sales and customer support in the mining segment I dealt with an international clientele from South America to Asia. Among others I interacted with K+S and companies in the coal mining industry. At the same time, I had reached a point in my life where my previous commercial focus didn’t fulfill me anymore. The desire to be more at the scene of the action and to be near large plants and machines in the mining industry had accompanied me for a long time.
© Sandvik
How did K+S, Sandvik and Kerstin Ratsch come together?
Kerstin Ratsch: I don't have any family mining tradition to show for myself, but in our region, underground salt mining has of course always been present with several locations. Some of our old neighbors have told stories about their time in the salt mines. Suddenly Sandvik was an issue, since I was already familiar with the company from the mining business and since it was a good fit here, especially on a personal level, I “dared”: The "adventure" was tempting – Sandvik offered a new aspect and I grabbed it, in the end it wasn't all that complicated. I then went straight into my position as Parts and Service Sales Representative (PSSR) and switched to field sales. As part of my induction, Sandvik gave me the opportunity to accompany a complete loader assembly at the Bernburg mine, which was an educational and exciting experience for me and gave me the chance to get to know real “underground life”. The first time I was underground in front of one of our machines, I definitely had respect for the new task, but I was also sure: “You can do it – gender doesn’t matter!”
If you were to briefly summarize your experience, what would be your conclusion today on the subject of underground mining?
Kerstin Ratsch: In any case, the industry is better than its reputation – rough, but cordial and always absolutely collegial. Of course the demands are high, it is a very special profession: expensive equipment and the highest safety requirements are in the foreground here. Everyone knows that and everything else is pushed into the background – gender differences certainly are. Personally, I have not had any negative experiences, on the contrary, I have always felt comfortable. And especially remarkable: I have never had the impression of being underestimated. That quickly gave me the feeling that I had arrived in the right industry – in the right team, because that also applies to Sandvik.
In addition to professional competence, what other qualities should you bring to your job?
Kerstin Ratsch: An open, direct and honest manner is always well received in the industry, especially underground. A genuine passion for the machines and the conditions underground – preferably free of claustrophobic fears – is of course also helpful. The realization that team spirit and personal responsibility are not mutually exclusive, but rather can harmonize perfectly as characteristics, is more evident underground than almost anywhere else.
What do you think are the biggest challenges for women in your sector?
Having the confidence to say: “Here I am, I'm going to do this, and we'll all get along fine.” I think it's not only new for women to be active and successful in these areas. For the men, it's also new territory that we girls are now getting involved. So, it takes effort, understanding and tolerance on both sides. In my experience, it's not necessary to pretend at all: Despite my career in the world of technology, I have always been all woman and have been interested in makeup, hair and clothes. So for me, to this day, proper protective gear underground does not stand in contrast to makeup, painted nails and long hair.
Kerstin Ratsch has long since established herself in the mining world in the Sandvik team as well as among her colleagues, so the answer to the question is simple: Where would you like to develop professionally and personally in the near future?
Kerstin Ratsch: Personally, I think I have arrived very much. This is primarily reflected in our family life, but the job factor also plays a role here and I am grateful for the support of my family. With 2 children and everything that comes up in everyday life, it also requires a lot of teamwork at home, since my job also involves a certain amount of travel. Looking at my professional goals separately, I am of course still ambitious to develop myself further. On the one hand, I'm not afraid to seize opportunities that arise, but of course I'm also driven to deepen my technical and mining expertise.
Kerstin Ratsch comments with humor on the fact that the old saying "Women underground bring bad luck", which has been circulating among miners for centuries, is still relevant today.
Kerstin Ratsch: Honestly, I've always wanted to ask this question, and I admit that I felt sorry for those who still hold on to this superstition and now have to travel down more than 700 m with me on cage – but there probably aren't that many of them anymore. At least I have not been confronted with this so far.”
In any case, the Sandvik expert's conclusion on the subject of women in technical professions – unfortunately still a minority today – is:
Kerstin Ratsch: Girls, have the guts! As everywhere else, a good mix is often conducive to a good atmosphere in the team. I also experience this in the very few areas where women also work underground. In my career to date, I have always appreciated being part of a well-mixed team – and by that I mean, of course, a mix of men and women, but also of different ages and mentalities. Today, diversity is very much talked about, but I think diversity has always been a key to success.
Do you have any advice for young women starting out in their careers?
Kerstin Ratsch: Raise your awareness of your needs and preferences! If you have an interest in engineering, mining, or even other fields that just aren't necessarily considered feminine, go for it! I think the theming: “What? You do that as a woman?" is often homemade – by women themselves. Just be brave and do what you feel called to do. That's all it takes from my perspective."
