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Maya Basa – Bridging Technology and Mining Expertise

Maya Basa is a director at Granada Gold Mine Inc., a gold mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, where she focuses on corporate development and investor relations. Working in a micro-cap environment, she plays a critical role in shaping strategy, managing investor communications, and supporting the company’s growth in a highly competitive and technically complex industry.

Her work requires a strong balance between financial understanding, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders across different markets. At EliteX, we are proud to have Maya Basa as Cover Story of the edition: Prominent Women in Mining, 2026.

Mining has always been a part of Maya’s life. She was born in the historic Cobalt Camp in Northern Ontario, a region known for its rich silver mining heritage that is now seeing renewed interest. Her early exposure to the industry came from her family. Her father, a metallurgical engineer, taught her how to pan for gold when she was still a child. Her mother, a geologist, would often explain rock formations and point out fossils during walks. These early experiences gave her a natural familiarity with the mining world, even though she initially chose a different career path.

Instead of entering mining right away, Maya pursued a career in technology consulting. She spent several years working on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate development across multiple industries. This phase of her career was fast-paced and intellectually demanding. It required her to constantly learn, adapt, and stay updated with changing trends. She developed strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex projects. These capabilities later became highly valuable when she transitioned into mining.

After spending significant time in the technology sector, Maya decided to expand her horizons further by pursuing her MBA at the University of Oxford in London. Following her studies, she returned to the technology industry briefly. However, over time, she realized that she wanted to do something different. Mining, which had always been part of her background, began to feel like the right place to return to. The transition back into mining felt natural, almost like coming home, but with a broader perspective shaped by her experience in other industries.

Her journey into mining was not sudden but rather a gradual return. She had always maintained an interest in geology and minerals, collecting rocks from a young age and attending mineral shows. Even today, she continues this passion, building a collection of rocks and engaging with geologists to learn about their favorite finds. She finds it fascinating how each geologist has a personal connection to a particular specimen, and these conversations reflect the deep passion that people in the industry have for their work.

This has been particularly important given that the industry experienced a period where fewer young professionals entered the field. As a result, there is now a strong interest in welcoming and supporting the next generation.

As a woman in mining, Maya has experienced both progress and challenges. She notes that the industry has become more supportive of women, especially in recent years. However, it is still common for her to find herself as the only woman in the room during meetings or industry events. While this can sometimes feel unusual, she also sees it as an opportunity. Moments when another woman enters the room are often met with a shared sense of excitement and connection, highlighting the importance of representation.

She emphasizes that having a strong support system is essential. In situations where outdated perspectives may arise, it is often the colleagues and mentors who step in to provide support and ensure a respectful environment. This collective approach plays a significant role in creating a more inclusive workplace and allows individuals to focus on their contributions rather than barriers.

Success in the mining industry, according to Maya, requires a willingness to engage deeply with details. Mining is a highly technical field that combines geology, engineering, and complex financial structures. From understanding mineral compositions to navigating unique tax regulations and deal structures, professionals must be prepared to handle a wide range of challenges. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage complexity are critical for anyone looking to succeed in this sector.

Over the years, Maya has observed several important changes in the mining industry, particularly in relation to sustainability and technology. One area that stands out is the growing focus on tailings reprocessing. In historic mining regions, large amounts of tailings already exist, and reprocessing them can provide both economic and environmental benefits. Since the material has already been mined, it can reduce costs while also minimizing the environmental impact of new extraction activities.

Another emerging area of interest is the use of tailings for carbon capture. This represents an innovative intersection between mining and environmental science. Although still in its early stages, this approach has the potential to transform how mining operations contribute to sustainability efforts. Maya finds this development particularly exciting, as it reflects a broader shift in the industry toward more responsible and forward-thinking practices.

Women are increasingly playing a significant role in shaping the future of mining. Maya has seen strong examples of female leadership across the industry, particularly among CEOs who demonstrate deep technical knowledge and strategic vision. She highlights how these leaders are not only capable of managing complex operations but also of commanding attention and confidence in high-stakes environments. Their success is evident not only in their leadership style but also in the performance of their companies.

Balancing professional responsibilities with personal wellbeing is an important aspect of Maya’s life. Based in London, she works across multiple time zones, including Europe and North America. This creates an unconventional schedule, but it also offers flexibility. She is able to structure her day in a way that allows her to take breaks during the afternoon, such as spending time outdoors or walking her dog. This balance helps her maintain productivity while also taking care of her wellbeing.

Within her organization, diversity and inclusion are reflected in the composition of the team. A significant portion of the workforce is female, including key leadership roles such as the Chief Financial Officer. This representation creates a more balanced and inclusive environment. Maya also notes that there is a strong culture of accountability, where any issues related to bias or discrimination would be addressed promptly by the team.

Sustainability remains a central focus in her work. She is particularly engaged in areas related to tailings management and waste reduction. By exploring ways to reuse materials and improve long-term stability, mining companies can reduce their environmental footprint. Maya also follows ongoing research into carbon capture and other innovative approaches that could further enhance sustainability in the industry. Her work benefits from operating in a geological context that relies more on hydrometallurgy, which avoids some of the environmental challenges associated with other extraction methods.

However, one of the moments she values most is more personal. When junior colleagues expressed a desire to join her team, it signaled that they respected her leadership and wanted to learn from her. This recognition meant more to her than formal titles or achievements, as it reflected the trust and influence she had built within her professional environment.

Success in mining comes from understanding details and managing complexity

For young women considering a career in mining, Maya offers clear and encouraging advice. She believes that the industry presents significant opportunities, particularly because of the need for new talent. Experienced professionals are often willing to mentor and support newcomers, creating a strong learning environment. She also recommends seeking guidance from both male and female mentors, as this provides a broader range of perspectives and insights.

Looking ahead, Maya is optimistic about the future of women in mining. She has already seen noticeable changes in representation at industry events and within company leadership. While there is still progress to be made, the direction is positive. The increasing demand for a wide range of minerals and materials will continue to drive growth in the industry, creating more opportunities for diverse talent to enter and succeed.

One of the unique aspects of the mining industry is its global yet interconnected nature. Despite operating across different countries and regions, it often feels like a small community. Professionals frequently encounter each other in different parts of the world, reinforcing the importance of building and maintaining long-term relationships. Maya emphasizes that trust and reputation play a key role in this industry, and strong relationships can have a lasting impact on one’s career.

She also highlights the value of understanding the market from an investment perspective. Having knowledge of how mining companies are evaluated and financed can provide additional insights and strengthen decision-making. This approach allows professionals to see the industry not only from an operational standpoint but also from a financial and strategic angle.

Maya Basa’s journey reflects a blend of early exposure, diverse experience, and a thoughtful return to her roots. By combining her background in technology with her understanding of mining, she brings a unique perspective to her role. Her focus on detail, commitment to sustainability, and belief in the importance of relationships position her as a forward-thinking leader in the industry. As mining continues to evolve, her approach highlights how tradition and innovation can work together to shape a more responsible and inclusive future.

Mining feels like coming home, but with a broader and stronger perspective

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