In recent years the industry has opened up greater work opportunities for women; a trend potentially promoting sustainable development especially in rural areas. Whether the industry offers women decent and equitable employment, and undertakes practice to mitigate gender related vulnerability thus safeguarding the needs and rights of women, remains unclear. Through qualitative enquiry, this project will examine ways in which mining companies operating in Lao PDR and Thailand promote equitable employment opportunities for women, and their economic and social impacts.