• EXCURSION
AN EXCURSION INTO THE MINDSET OF A WOMAN LEADER IN MINING
By Sharyn Macnamara
A successful career in mining lies in a positive mindset ; opportunities embraced – despite discomfort ; being your authentic self and supporting one another in the mining industry , says Fatima Hayat of Glencore .
Sharyn Macnamara ( SM ) met Fatima Hayat ( FH ), human resource manager at Glencore Alloys - Wonderkop Smelter at the annual Women and Leadership in Mining conference run by Pinpoint Stewards in August 2023 with the theme – It ’ s DUE : Develop , Unite and Empower . 1 Hayat was among the many dynamic leaders speaking at the event and took part in a panel which deliberated on the Minerals Council South Africa ’ s stretch targets to double the percentage of women in mining by 2025 , towards a 30 % to 40 % representation across industry with 50 % in management over the next decade – and how these targets could be met realistically .
Join African Mining as we delve into the mindset of a woman who has traversed 20 years in a tough , male dominated industry and who shares openly her advice with women who want to join the fray .
SM : Why did you choose to work in the mining industry ? Please take us through your journey to your current leadership role . FH : I grew up in Rustenburg , surrounded by the numerous mines . The mining companies in the area often visited our school to present mining as a potential career and the opportunities the industry offered . I didn ' t want to go the traditional route of becoming a doctor , lawyer or an accountant , instead I decided to study geology with a view to entering the mining sector . Within the first six months I changed my direction as my sociable personality drove my interest to the Human Resources arena . I did not have the finances to enable me to complete my studies full time , so in 2000 I opted to study part time and grasped the opportunity to work at Glencore Xstrata as a fixed-term HR clerk . I then transitioned to a supervisory position , completing my studies as well as a senior leadership development programme at business school while working .
An opportunity to take on a leadership role emerged when I least expected it to . My manager at the time was called to run a SAP project and I was thrown into the deep end to act in her role in her absence . This turned out to be a blessing – although I was pushed into the unknown , my previous manager , Frannie Roux , recognised my ability during this challenging time and offered me an opportunity to take on the role permanently , and I was promoted to the HR manager position . Roux was one of my mentors right from the start , and I am grateful to him for his support and guidance over the years . I became the youngest , first non-white female manager in Xstrata at the time . Although it was very daunting , it was an exciting time in my career .
Fatima Hayat , human resource manager at Glencore Alloys - Wonderkop Smelter .
SM : Was it difficult to study and work , or was that a plus in your journey ? FH : Although studying while you work puts additional pressure on one , the workplace also offers you context . The theory becomes more relatable , and the plus lies in being among experienced specialists in the field , who are able to guide one through the practical application of new-found knowledge .
SM : We have heard about many challenges women experience in a male dominated industry at the conference , what are some of the hurdles you have had to face ? FH : I have had a very different experience , but I believe that lay in my approach . I took it upon myself to understand my environment and the business by immersing myself in it . I went into the smelter , got to understand the roles , came out on night shift to understand shift patterns . And , very importantly , I aligned myself with male allies and mentors who shared their business and mining experience with me . I relied on my mentors , who offered me a safe space to ask questions , without judgement , but who would also hold me accountable . I believe
Supplied Glencore Alloys - Wonderkop Smelter
22 • African Mining • January 2024 www . africanmining . co . za