Mining companies on the FTSE 350 are lagging behind their index peers when it comes to female executive representation, according to a new survey.

Women Count 2018, produced by The Pipeline, found the 14 mining companies included in the index had just 10% representation of women on their executive committees, 1% representation of women in profit and loss (P&L) roles and no female executive directors.

And, despite BHP publicising bold targets on gender – the diversified miner is looking to have a 50/50 gender balance by 2025 – others are not following suit.

“Not only does mining have a poor record on engaging women in senior roles, they also have the highest gender pay gap,” The Pipeline said.

The mining sector fared badly when compared with the entire FTSE 350 index universe, which had 16% female representation on executive committees and 5% in P&L roles. Only 8% of executive directors were female, according to the report.

These levels are broadly the same as three years ago, according to The Pipeline, which indicates the situation is not improving.

While gender diversity on boards is anecdotally improving, The Pipeline argues this is not the best industry measure: “Representation on executive committees, unlike representation on boards, is the best measure of gender equality in the FTSE 350 because executives have power in the running of a company.”

The Pipeline was established in 2012 to deliver executive leadership programmes specifically designed for women.