Ruth Ofori and Caroline Landström both drive HD785 rigid dump trucks, but under very different conditions: Ofori works at the Ayanfuri gold mine in Ghana, while Landström drives her truck at a copper mine in Sweden’s Arctic north.
In Ghana, Ofori’s truck has to work in temperatures of up to 34C. The driver, who works for Rocksure International Limited, says, “Strength, emotional intelligence, discipline and perseverance are the core values needed to succeed in this male-dominated field.
“Venturing into a predominantly male industry was a high-risk decision, but leaving my office job as a financial analyst proved to be extremely rewarding. I’m passionate about encouraging other women to consider this industry. No matter where you find yourself, these skills are transferable.”
Ofori’s strength and adaptability is reflected in the truck she drives. ““The operator-centric design and air-conditioned cabin of the HD785 provides me with essential comfort while driving the machine. This allows me to concentrate on my work, regardless of the external conditions.”
Landström also initially faced challenges entering the industry. “Many think only men can operate these machines, but I’m eager to show that women can do it too. The conditions we work in are vast, but it's something I'm used to, having lived in Northern Sweden all my life.
“I find my new career path extremely rewarding and am so pleased I made the plunge. I especially enjoy the stark contrast between my previous job, which involved interacting with people and my current role, where the team and I move mountains, highlighting the unique challenges and satisfaction of operating heavy machinery.”
In the Arctic, Landström must often work in darkness, with only three hours of daylight each day. Temperatures can drop as low -10C. Lindström uses Komatsu KomVision, which offers a real-time 360 view on the cab monitor, making it easier to navigate the challenging environment and eliminating any blind spots for enhanced safety and productivity.
