How did you decide on pursuing your degree(s)? Did you know about geology before you entered university?
I studied chemical engineering and never considered the idea of entering the mining industry. It certainly wasn’t considered an industry for a girl, and I was not really exposed to it during my school going and university years. I was fortunate to gain some exposure to the industry while working for Gemini Consulting (part of the Cap Gemini group) and entered the industry after around 4 years of work experience. Once I got in, I fell in love with the industry and the work I could do to make a difference. With over 20 years of mining industry experience, I can honestly say that the feeling hasn’t subsided, and I am probably even more passionate than the day I entered.
Describe your career progression since finishing undergrad.
I have moved across the value chain of mining throughout my career, originally in supply chain and business optimisation roles, to commercial and strategy roles in Anglo American Platinum. I was involved in mining industry innovation and energy transitioning for a portion of my career and then moved into a commercial services senior role in Sibanye Stillwater looking at above surface services and post integration challenges. When transitioning to Ero Copper and operating in a COO role, I had the opportunity to lead operations on both open pit and underground mines, as well as lead significant project execution which enabled long term mining objectives to be met. WESDOME’S CEO role has been a new learning for me, opening up my exposure to the markets as well as leading an organization, which I am enjoying thoroughly. I have also been fortunate to be on a board of a leading innovative mining equipment company, Epiroc. I enjoy this role immensely as I feel I learn about the evolution in automation, electrication and digitalisation from leading experts. This is ultimately where the industry will transition to, driving more efficiencies, cleaner and safer practices as we continue to move into a world where mining gets deeper, commodities more needed and carbon strategy more required.
If you could go back to your first year in undergrad, would you pick the same degree and career trajectory? Why/why not?
Absolutely, I would not change studying engineering for a moment and the chemical engineering degree offered me opportunities to look systematically at a process approach to everything. I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity.
What are the three best things about your job/career? What are three things you would change?
The best things about this job is the people. Each day, this industry has the ability to impact someone’s life in a positive way. The number of stakeholders touched in some way by this industry is remarkable and each day we add value to those. Whether this be in driving value for shareholders, making a positive impact on communities, government revenues, job creation in some of the most needed areas or building infrastructure needed in everyday life, the industry continues to play an important role to all. Products are needed mostly for everyday life and mining lives in most things we take for granted. Because of the multifaceted nature of the business, it is never boring and things always can be improved or impacted with positive thinking and execution. I would change the image that mining has in general and encourage children to see the opportunities that mining brings to the world and the impact each can have on making this industry better and better. Our children are the innovators of tomorrow and will lead the evolution of this industry in a positive way. With the advancements in technology and the nimbleness of information, they have the ability to make positive change to the industry.
Why is gender balance in mineral exploration/mining/geoscience important to you?
Gender balance and diversity in general brings with it significant value to any organisation. Conversations are engaged through diversity and the correlation between increased diversity and value is clear. I like a room with diverse thoughts and ideas and this is only achieved if we ensure diversity is encouraged in its most authentic form.
Why should it be important for everyone?
This should matter to all because this adds value and is for the betterment of the organisation, industry and structures it engages within. The industry has historically lacked diversity, so change needs to be intentional and deliberate. We need to lead this change through action and example.
What advice would you give to young women starting a career in mineral exploration/mining/geoscience?
My advice would be simple - you have entered the best industry where your contributions are going to be important. It will be challenging but it will be fun. Don’t be scared to take chances or make mistakes. Keep challenging the status quo. Be resilient and strong. Lean on others. Support others, there is plenty space for all and lift those around you up, no matter who they may be.
What motivates you and keeps you busy outside of mineral exploration/mining/geoscience?
I am mom to four beautiful children, that form the centre of me and married to a wonderful man. I also have four dogs which I adore.
Comments