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