Pact’s Cristina Villegas recognized in 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining

Cristina Maria Villegas, Pact’s Director of Sustainable Jewelry, has been named one of 2024’s 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by Women in Mining U.K.  

The WIM100 initiative celebrates 100 women whose impactful contributions have strengthened and made the resources industry more inclusive and sustainable. The initiative helps showcase their impact and the transformative contributions they make to the mining industry. It also celebrates the breadth of female talent within the mining industry and identifies role models for future generations. This year’s focus is on women who are breaking barriers and driving the innovation needed to support a generation of change. 

“Cristina is an innovative leader in the industry and always pushing to improve practices and responsible sourcing through her leadership. We are excited that her experience, expertise and dedicated work to ensure sustainable, community-driven sourcing and supply chain practices are being celebrated,” said James McQuilken, Pact’s Director of Responsible Mining. 

Villegas is a recognized expert on gemstones, gold and critical minerals in the ASM sector. For more than 20 years, she has worked with local communities, global brands, governments and development stakeholders to improve sustainability outcomes in raw material supply chains. For the past 10 years, she has been an integral leader of Pact’s responsible mining program, which brings together government, industry, miners and mining communities to make ASM safer, formal and more productive, while making the most of ASM’s contributions to development. She is best known for her work in the jewelry sector, highlighting the role of women miners and facilitating new trade opportunities for miners and entrepreneurial youth.  

“I take great joy in working hand in hand with local miners, their leadership organizations, communities and the next generation, wherever global supply chains begin,” said Villegas.  

Villegas also lectures on extractives for Columbia University’s Massive Open Online Course and for its Executive Course on Extractives. She serves on the board of Ethical Metalsmiths and is an advisor to the Watch & Jewelry Initiative 2030 and the Conservation X Prize’s Amazon Grand Challenge.

This year Women in Mining U.K. received 570 nominations for women in more than 41 countries. The full 2024 WIM100 publication can be downloaded from the Women in Mining U.K. website.