COMMENT • sharyn @ interactmedia. co. za
Sharyn Macnamara – Editor •
FAREWELL AND GODSPEED
As I end the last chapter in my journey with African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror and welcome a new chapter in my life journey, I thank our beloved readers for‘ lending me their eyes and ears’ for the past five years. My thanks extend to our loyal advertisers for their support, which makes it possible for this trusted publication to make mining voices heard in both print and online forums. To our miners, expert contributors, suppliers, industry associations, event organisers and the PR companies that represent them – thank you for the steadfast, relevant and reliable content that is the bedrock of our publication that has stood the test of time for almost 40 years.
A life-changing journey I took on my role as staff writer for African Mining, in 2021 with a deep sense of responsibility, just as the world was emerging from the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so many, I had had to re-invent myself in the face of unprecedented economic and social disruption caused by this devastating pandemic. I remain eternally grateful to IMD and its directors for the opportunity granted me to do just that, but most of all to work in an industry that, like agriculture, drives the world’ s economic engine, and is indispensable. I could not have asked for a greater personal challenge.
Mentorship and support come in many forms. Thank you to all the industry stakeholders driving mining globally, regionally and locally that have crossed the path of my expedition and have helped me to traverse into unknown territory. This industry is steeped in individuals that are always prepared to go the extra mile to help the world understand the challenges faced in mining. I am indebted to these industry stakeholders – people of the earth, with boots firmly grounded in integrity, and a sense for“ doing the right thing” for our communities, environment and future generations – who have taken the time to explain the intricacies of what drives this engine. You know who you are, and I am grateful you made my journey to senior writer and finally editor both interesting and smoother, sharing the“ nuggets” of your lived experiences to enhance African Mining’ s story telling.
I leave the IMD team with a deep sense of privilege of having worked closely with individuals who know that‘ measurement
© African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror matters’ and live this in every sense of the word in a deadline-driven environment with tight resources. To my colleagues at IMD from the directors through to the teams that execute and deliver excellence, thank you!
A new voice I hand over to Sharon Mdaka, the new writer for African Mining, whom I know takes the baton with a deep sense of responsibility, wishing her the best as she moves our publication into a new chapter – one that I am sure you, the industry, will help her write.
Using a term we all know and understand to represent spirit, resilience and togetherness, one that is difficult to translate because it is emersed in history, the burden of labour and struggle, strong emotion and the rhythm of innovation –‘ SHOSHOLOZA’ my dear friends.‘ Move forward’ into 2026, and be blessed.
With fond love and memories to last me a lifetime, I leave you with an Irish blessing to accompany you on your journey:
‘ May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.’
Sharyn Macnamara
I am pleased to introduce you to the new writer for African Mining, Sharon Mdaka. www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining
African Mining • January 2026 • 3