Pinpoint Stewards’ annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference will be taking place on 28 & 29 August in Sandton. Join one of the biggest gatherings of women in mining, during a two-day conference to strategize and look at ways to include more women in the sector at a faster pace.
Here are some of the speakers sharing their insight and leadership tips:
Show humility and compassion
Why did you choose a career in mining?
I have always been passionate about earth science in general so when it came time to select a course to study in University the answer seemed logical to me. I studied towards a Geology Degree which could’ve lead me towards Academia but luckily the opportunity to get a bursary and also get work exposure in a mine was afforded to me.
One Leadership tip?
Above all a leader should always be able to show humility and compassion to the people he/she is leading.
What do you like most about your job?
The constant variability that comes with the operations and the ability to continuously learn with each new challenge brought fourth.
What would you like to see change in the mining sector?
Silo-thinking mentality and gate keeping within the industry. Allow people who are interested and have the aptitude to do so learn as much as they possibly can without the stereotypical thoughts driving the narrative.
Ensure that your team is so capable and confident that you are no longer needed
Why did you choose a career in mining?
I chose a career in mining because I wanted to contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of people. I am passionate about the significant impact that mining can have on communities, and I wanted to be part of that positive change.
One Leadership tip?
To me, leadership is like captaining a vessel, such as a ship. It should be selfless and focused on making both the initiative and the people involved thrive. I always say that with or without the leader, the ship must sail. In fact, it should sail even better without you. As a leader, you should ensure that your team is so capable and confident that you are no longer needed. That is my leadership tip.
What do you like most about your job?
The opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Contributing towards safe mining at a mine that has such a positive economic impact on the lives of many people is incredibly rewarding. On the technical side I enjoy the “deep end nature” of my work; it’s very challenging and brings new learnings every day. I love the abundance of learning opportunities it provides.
What would you like to see change in the mining sector?
I would like to see the South African mining sector become more technologically advanced, focusing on working smarter rather than harder. By integrating AI and machine learning, we can leverage our workforce’s skills more effectively, moving people from the workface to control rooms where they can strategize and innovate, while letting machines handle the physical work. I believe that this shift will make mines safer, improve efficiency, and create a more skilled and gender diverse workforce. Additionally, it could unlock mineral resources that are currently too difficult, dangerous, or uneconomic to mine.
Lead with purpose and leave no one behind
Why did you choose a career in mining?
I chose a career in mining because I was born in a mining town and grew up understanding its vital role in our lives. Mining is one industry in need of most transformation, and I want to be part of that transition. I thrive in the challenging mining environment and absolutely believe that when done right, mining has the potential to change the world for the better.
One Leadership tip?
Lead with a Purpose! As Toni Morrison wisely said Make a difference about something other than yourselves. When we lead with purpose, we commit to leaving no one behind, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
What do you like most about your job?
Every day, I have the opportunity to influence others to do the right thing for our planet and future generations. While it was great working as a geologist my love and concern for the well-being of the planet and the people who inherit the planet; led me to where I am now—environmental leadership space. This transition was fuelled by my profound connection to both humanity and the natural world, a desire to bridge the gap between process and preservation.
What would you like to see change in the mining sector?
I hope to see mining industry where systems adoption revolutionizes mining processes, enabling hybrid work arrangements, flexibility, and more family-friendly rosters. Make mining adaptable and less old-school. As a woman in mining, I advocate for a culture of sisterhood – I’d like to see more solidarity among women in the mining industry, acknowledging that we are a minority here.
Lead oneself before leading others
Why did you choose a career in mining?
I chose a career in mining because I enjoyed mathematics and science during my school years. I believed that I would excel in and enjoy working in a technical and innovative environment.
One Leadership Tip?
A key leadership tip is that leadership starts with leading oneself before leading others.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my job is its dynamic nature; it is not routine and boring. There are numerous opportunities to be creative. Additionally, I enjoy that it involves working with people.
What would you like to see change in the mining sector?
I would like to see the mining sector undergo transformation by changing the environment to require less hard labour through the implementation of advanced technology. Achieving this transformation will make the mining industry attractive and easy for women to thrive.
Other speakers you will meet inlcude:
- Ofentse Debete, Section Manager Mining, Goldfields,
- Nozipho Dlamini, Mine Manager, Thungela Resources,
- Nandi Sibanyoni, Executive Head, She, Anglo American-Kumba Iron Ore
- Cindy Mabala, Rock Engineering, Officer Impala Platinum Ltd
- Bontle Mtshengu, Founder & Co-Owner, Quantum Leap Smart Engineering
- Kristell Holtzhausen, Company Secretary, Previously African Rainbow Minerals Ltd – Ferrous Division (Assmang)
- Mpho Nyarela, Wim Chairperson, Limpopo Rtf Exco Member, Palabora Mining Company
Click here to read the second part of these interviews and explore some of the above mentioned speakers’ insights and leadership tips.
Meet these women and your peers at one of the biggest gatherings of women in industry and share experiences and discuss strategies to ensure more women are included within the sector. Contact the organisers on info@pinpointstewards.co.za
Register before 1 August for reserved seating and women’s month welcome gift for you and your team.
