In the stope
Technology has also enabled women to play a bigger role in the actual physical operations of a mine. For example, women can now operate drill rigs remotely from the office.
Are we at a point where we do not have to differentiate between gender anymore?
We have progressed, and it is not just about gender anymore. At Kumba, we do feel that there are equal opportunities. But the conversation and debate should be about ability, understanding, and depth in your sphere, not about gender. It is irrelevant.
What advice do you have for young women who are thinking about entering the mining industry?
My first advice is: do not try to be a man! Be yourself, you are not a man. If you want to look good, well, that is who you are, that is what you are like, and if you like spending time on doing that, so be it!
From a career perspective, it is always important that you have a focused goal. And remember, things will not always go your way— be prepared for that. You are bound to experience a lot of setbacks, but you have to continue focusing on your goal. If it means you have to move, do it, even if it is a parallel move and not necessarily upwards.
From a growth perspective, that is always good, and it gives you a better understanding of the industry and the value chain as a whole. For example, I started at the end of the value chain with technical marketing, then I was part of the logistics team. In other words, I moved backwards in the iron ore value chain production as well as processing. If you work hard and stay focused, you will reach your goals.
It is important that you persevere. Furthermore, you have to start building networks in the industry; your work needs to be known and respected, and you have to add value whatever you do.
Mining has not always been successful in attracting young people. How do we make mining cool again?
It is not that difficult. I really do think it is already becoming a‘ cool space’ to work in. New technologies are making it impossible for young people to ignore mining. Mines are not the high-risk, physically tough environments they used to be. Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are bound to change mining and make it a‘ supercool’ place to work in. And it will become even more‘ cool’ in future with autonomous vehicles and technologies. It is all very exciting; there are so much development and research, and innovative technologies out there.
Mandlakazi, where to from here for you, what about your future?
Well, I have options. I can target the general manager role or decide to go back into marketing. Maybe even head up the Technical Marketing Department, or alternatively I can decide to move into sales and logistics. From there I might be looking at an executive role. The sky is really the limit.
In a nutshell, what are the differences between Sishen and Kolomela in terms of processing and technology?
Kolomela produces direct shipping ore, so there is hardly any processing thereof. The ore is crushed, screened, and then you have the product.
The real difference between the plants is in the technology they use. Kolomela is maybe more advanced. It is also the newer plant of the two. Kolomela boasts advanced process controls, whereas at Sishen, they are still in the process of developing the infrastructure.
In September, Kolomela will start reclaiming onto trains autonomously from a control room. Sishen does not have that capability yet.
From a processing perspective, we still need to characterise the run of mine at Kolomela, because the mine was never defined to execute ultra-high dense media separation( UHDMS).
How does the product of the two mines differ?
Kolomela’ s product portfolio is the same as Sishen’ s. The difference is that the process at Kolomela is not as complex as at Sishen. At Kolomela, the product is crushed into a saleable product and loaded.
What made you move to Kolomela?
It was a growth opportunity that opened up at Kolomela.
Are you going to be based at Kolomela?
I am now based in Postmasburg. I moved there from Kathu recently, which is about 90km away.
As a miner, you have to work in rather remote areas and live in small towns, which could be a challenge for some people. How do you deal with these challenges?
In 2002, when I moved to Kathu, for example, they did not have the facilities they have today, and that is relevant in most small towns around the country. The mining houses are also focusing on building recreational facilities and schools. So, if you intend starting a family, it makes the lifestyle more attractive there.
There is normally a lot of opportunity for development in these remote regions, and you have an opportunity to influence the local communities. Kumba makes it very comfortable for their employees and place a lot of emphasis on a balanced lifestyle.
You obviously have to be open-minded. If you are adventurous and like doing something different, this is for you. If you like the city life and want to be in the city, it is simple: don’ t go. But if you want to engage more with nature and communities, then the remote areas would work for you. You also have an opportunity to save money.
What should men in the mining industry keep in mind when engaging with women?
The worst thing for me was that men, in the past, often disregarded me in a meeting, for example. But not all men are like that, and things have definitely changed over the years.
We are not all the same and we are also not all progressive in our thinking. Some choose to be stuck in the past. It may be a very small percentage, but you do engage with these people from time to time. It happens everywhere in life. Some people just refuse to progress, but we have to ignore them and just move on really.
What should men do better to engage; what should they do to provide opportunities?
They should move beyond seeing gender. That’ s the basics. I should not be seen as a woman, but as a person that can add value to their lives. And they have to respect women the same as what they respect their male counterparts; it is as simple as that. We need to be judged on merit, not on gender. If I am good, I am good whether I am a woman or a male or black or white. The colour or gender should not matter, so let us look beyond that and treat each other as equals. b
[ 28 ] MINING MIRROR OCTOBER 2018