This issue’s Executive Q&A – and bonus Women in Mining interview – features 28-year mineral processing expert Karen Thompson of Haver & Boecker.
Being great at what you do is one thing, but loving it takes the experience to a whole new level. Thompson, who serves as president of Haver & Boecker Niagara’s North American and Australian operations, tells us more about her professional journey and what her outlook is for women in the industry.
NAM: How did you come into the mining industry? What was your background?
Thompson: I studied business at Brock University and began my career as a procurement manager in a completely different industry. When I joined Haver & Boecker Niagara, I truly started from the ground up – back when there was just one computer per department! My first role involved taking sales orders, learning the production routing process and ensuring everything was accurately entered into the system and sent to production.
Just nine months later, I was promoted to a production inventory controller role. From there, I worked my way through various operations departments and eventually transitioned into sales, becoming a division manager for screen media. Over the years, I’ve held increasingly senior operational roles and completed my MBA at the University of Toronto, leading to where I am today as the president of our North American and Australian operations. In my 28-year career, I’ve worked in nearly every department except finance. That broad exposure gave me a deep understanding of both how we engineer solutions and what our customers truly need. These insights have been essential in driving innovation.
What about working in mining and being a part of the community was most attractive to you?
This industry really gets into your blood. It’s a relatively close-knit world, and the connections you make – whether with competitors, producers or partners – often resurface throughout your career. Once people enter the mining industry, they tend to stay. The relationships you build are long-lasting and meaningful, and they offer continuous opportunities to learn and grow, no matter where your path takes you.
Did you have a mentor along the way?
I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career, each offering something different. Some guided me in people management, others helped deepen my technical and engineering knowledge, and many shaped my understanding of customer expectations through site visits and hands-on experiences.
I’ve never felt that the mining industry put up barriers for me – something I credit in large part to the culture at Haver & Boecker Niagara. Advancing in this field has always felt like a shared achievement, regardless of gender.
What is your position on the current state of women in mining, women in mining’s executive seats, and how has this changed in your career tenure?
There’s been significant progress over the past 15 to 20 years. I remember attending one of my first industry events where, out of 300 attendees, only three were women. Today, that same event sees about 25% female participation. It’s encouraging to see more women not only entering the industry but also taking on critical roles – not just in purchasing or administrative positions, but out on the jobsite and in leadership.
Although we haven’t quite reached equal representation, the presence of women in mining has grown from a small minority to a much more visible and influential group.
What is your opinion on how women in mining, and mining itself, can work to improve?
It starts with awareness. There’s still a need to better promote the wide range of career opportunities available in mining. While progress has been made, universities and mining programs can do more to highlight these paths to women.
Platforms like job fairs and social media can play a big role in showcasing the diversity of roles in mining – from finance and land surveying to engineering and operations. Many people don’t realize just how many different skill sets are needed in this industry. There’s truly a place for everyone, and we need to do a better job of telling that story.
Karen Thompson, president of North American and Australian operations at Haver & Boecker Niagara, has risen through the ranks to become a leader in the mineral processing industry.