1JUNE 2017 | ISSUE I

We arethe future

ofmining

YIMMYou t h i n M i n i n g a n d Me t a l l u r g y

CAROLINE MULAUDZITalks about making the industrymore adaptable for women

TSHEPO MMOLAChairperson of YPC gives tips onhow young professionals canthrive in the industry

SAIMM - YPC EWGThe first magazine issue, learnabout the team behind it all

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C O N T E N T SYou t h i n M i n i n g a n d Me t a l l u r g y

ABOUT YIMM EMAGStarted with the vision to give the insightof students perceptions and views of the state of the industry and how they seethemselves fitting into the industry.

CHAIRPERSON’S ADDRESSOur Chairperson of the Young Professionals Council gives abackground of the formation of the YPC under the SAIMM

HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR CV AS A YOUNGPROFESSIONAL

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FORFEMALE PHYSIQUE

LECTURER Q & A SESSIONS

CHOOSING TO FURTHER YOUR ACADEMIC PROFILEAT A YOUNG AGE

WHAT STUDENTS EXPECT FROM THE INDUSTRYAFTER GRADUATION

SAIMM JOHANNESBURG BRANCH STUDENTDEBATE

INNOVATIONS IN THE MINING AND METALLURGYINDUSTRIES

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The YPC-SAIMM e-Magazine TeamThe YPC-SAIMM e-Magazine Team

Ms Katleho PhamotseEditor

Ms Khanyisile KuneneContent co-ordinator

Ms Lukona MelentoDesign and layout

Mr Sabelo MnyanduDesign and layout

Ms Lintle TsoakeProof Reader

Ms Dineo MakhobaAuthor

Ms Kgabo MokoenaAuthor

Ms Busisiwe SiligaAuthor

We would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to make this e-magazine possible. Most importantly, Mr Sihe Nhleko, Ms Sam Moolla and Mr Tshepo Mmola.

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Chairperson’s addressChairperson’s address

The SAIMM has a long history of developing young professionals in the minerals industry.A Career Guidance Committee led this function of the SAIMM and initiated severalsuccessful programmes to this end. However, in 2014 the Committee, comprising senior

professionals in mining and metallurgy, came to recognize that young professionals shoulddrive this function themselves. This would allow them to bring across their viewpoint when itcomes to deciding on opportunities and threats to their future careers in the minerals industry.Thus in 2015 the SAIMM Council constituted the Young Professionals Council (YPC), led byyoung professionals, for young professionals. The YPC formed three working groups – the Education, Career Guidance, and Enterpriseworking groups. Each working group has a specific focus area, and it is the responsibility ofthe group firstly to identify the needs of the target members, secondly to strategize, plan,and manage projects or programmes to meet the identified needs, and thirdly to evaluatethe impact of the projects or programmes. Additionally, working groups are involved inadvocacy support and network-building both locally and internationally. Through the activitiesof the working groups, the YPC is able to carry out its mission to empower youngprofessionals to contribute to the profession and to society. This e-magazine is one of the initiatives of the Education Working Group (EWG). The EWGrepresents the interests of young professionals at the basic and tertiary education levels.The EWG has actively participated in career guidance expos for high-school learners,fundraising for the SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund whose beneficiaries are universitystudents studying mining and metallurgy, and holding regular soft-skills developmentworkshops in the universities to develop professionalism among the students and assistthem to successfully complete their studies. Members of the EWG are empowered to dreamand to reach for those dreams, and this magazine is the realization of just one of thosedreams.This edition of the magazine, aptly themed —How to empower yourself as a youngprofessional, embodies the mission of the YPC. The magazine reflects the inherent curiosityand creativity within the students. The magazine is a demonstration of the power of studentsto self-organize and work together towards a common goal. I am proud of and grateful fortheir hard work and dedication in putting together this magazine and look forward to readingmany more editions.

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On behalf of the YPC, I would like to thank everyonewho reads this for taking their time to look at theYPC’s very first e-magazine, Youth in Mining andMetallurgy. This e-magazine is meant to keep youngpeople abreast with the minerals industry bycovering topics that matter to the constituents. Eache-magazine issue has a theme. This issue’s themeis: How to empower yourself as a youngprofessional.

The people who helped to make this e-magazinepossible are students from the University ofJohannesburg and the University of theWitwatersrand who form part of the subcommitteeof the YPC EWG. These students study courses inthe minerals industry like Mining Engineering,Metallurgical Engineering, and Mine Surveying.

The e-magazine team plans to release a total of twoissues in 2017. The release date for the next issuewill be made available on the SAIMM website, underthe YPC tab.

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine, just as theteam and I enjoyed working on it!

Yours sincerely,

Katleho Phamotse

Editor: Katleho Phamotse

Content coordinator: Khanyisile Kunene

Proofreader: Lintle Tsoake

Design and layout: Lukona Melento, Sabelo Mnyandu

Authors and contributors: Busisiwe Siliga, DineoMakhoba, Kgabo Mokena, Sihesenkosi Nhleko

Photographer: Thapelo Thupe

To advertise email: sam@saimm.co.za

The views expressed in this e-magazine are notnecessarily those of the authors, contributors, orSAIMM-YPC.

Address:

PO Box 61127

Marshalltown 2107

5 Hollard Street

Marshalltown 2107

Telephone: +27 11 834 1273

Facsimile: 086 585 2901

Website: www.saimm.co.za/young-professionals-council/saimm-young-professionals-council

Editors note:Editors note:Youth in Mining andYouth in Mining andMetallurgy e-MagazineMetallurgy e-Magazine

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How to Upgrade Your CVas a Young ProfessionalBy Busisiwe Siliga

The Young Professionals Council(YPC) of the Southern AfricanInstitute of Mining and Metallurgy

(SAIMM-YPC) is constituted to developand promote initiatives and industryawareness of the members of theInstitute who are 35 years old andyounger. Following is an interview withthe Chairman of SAIMM-YPC, Mr TshepoMmola.

Q: Extracurricular activities Students are encouraged to participate insports, academic research, technicalskills development, volunteer work,leadership experience; what relevance dothese have in self and careerdevelopment? A: From a CV point of view thesedemonstrate your abilities. They provideevidence of your attributes and strengths.These attributes are desirable when youare a graduate; they are what makes youstand out. Companies look for well-rounded individuals. In practice, theseattributes play a role in developing yourskills as a worker. These skills can onlybe developed outside the lecture roomsand should complement your technicalknowledge. This will be essential for yourcareer success.

Q: Extracurricular coursesWhen is the appropriate time to take shortcourses while at varsity (without infringingon school policy)?A: Mining-related courses are technical innature. You do not need to take shorttechnical-related courses. You may takeshort courses in soft skills, businesswriting skills, computer-based skills, andforeign languages. Concentrate on that

which is necessary to supplement yourtechnical knowledge.

Q: Once you get to industry as a youngprofessional, should you invest inobtaining more qualifications or inacquiring experience? Once you enter the industry you can bestinvest in acquiring hands-on experience.You must have a plan for your careerpath. In that plan you reach certainstages where you should upgrade yourknowledge. That is when you mayconsider pursuing more qualifications.But for the most part, in your entry levelfocus on gaining experience anddeveloping your passion and strengths toadvance your career.

Q: What should one consider in theirgraduate programme? In your graduate programme take everyopportunity recommended for you. Applyyour knowledge and skills as soon as youcan. Your pursuit of qualifications shouldnot hinder your work experience.

Q: When should I start taking onleadership in the work environment? Leadership is not a position, but a habityou develop. It becomes a way of life anddoes not require a title to be validated.Your leadership skills will be based onyour character, not titles. You learnleadership qualities and practice them bytaking on a role in organizations and inclass.

‘Leadership is not aposition, but a habit youdevelop. It becomes away of life and does notrequire a title to bevalidated’

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To be a leader you must learn from andbehave like leaders. Continue developingthese habits until they are embedded inyour character. In relation to CVs, take ona role in a leadership structure. You willbe able to demonstrate your attributesthrough these actual roles. Also, keepgood records of all work you partake in.Keep academic records andqualifications close by. You will needthese when you register as a youngprofessional.

Q: How do the SAIMM-YPCprogrammes assist in enhancing a CV?

A: From a student’s point of view, theYPC facilitates how-to knowledge,preparation for job search, CV writingand interview skills, presentation andcommunication skills, research andinnovation, time management, financialand entrepreneurship skills. All thesehelp in upgrading the quality of CVs. TheYPC Education Working Groupcommittee members get to developadditional soft skills, leadership skills,and time management. Theirparticipation in the Working Groupcontributes to building well-roundedindividuals, which will also bedemonstrated in their CVs.For young professionals, the YPCconducts regular workshops,conferences, seminars, and lectures forimparting specialized knowledge. Theseevents contribute to the ContinuousProfessional Development required byECSA to acquire and maintainprofessional registration. We also have amentoring programme that places youngprofessionals in a one-on-onerelationship with a senior professional for

guidance, and personal and professionaldevelopment. This programme is now inits second year. At our events, you alsoget a networking opportunity. Forentrepreneurs, we have anEntrepreneurship in Mining Forum inJuly. It will be targeting entrepreneurs,small businesses, start-up businesses,and unemployed graduates.

Q: Who does the YPC associate with?

Associations we have worked withinclude the R&D Corp; we facilitated abusiness proposal workshop and how topitch for funding. We’ve also worked withEngineers Without Borders; we held adiscussion about the social andenvironmental impacts of the miningindustry. Currently we are buildingpartnership with WIMSA, for theadvancement of women in South Africa.Association with the YPC will alsoprovide you with exposure to theseorganizations.

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Her presence goes unnoticed as sheenters the room; her laugh, smileand easy going nature put us all at

ease and give the impression that thisinterview will be a pleasant one. She is abeautiful lady hailing all the way fromVenda, Limpopo. She enjoys regularactivities such as golf and shopping,which is evident in her stylish attire shehad on for the interview. Caroline is oneof the people who are making the miningindustry more adaptable for women. Sheis from humble beginnings as she usedto walk about 3-4 km from home toMutshalinganga Primary School. Shethen attended Mbilwi High School, andlater Tshivhase High School where shecompleted her matric. While in highschool, she was one of the top 16performers who were selected for a minevisit at Tshikondeni Mine, one of ExxaroResources’ coal mines, to see whatcareer paths could be followed in themining industry. It was there she met Mr.Eric Thabo, current SamancorExploration Geology Manager, whoinspired her to study geology. At the time,90% of women were doing menial jobsaround mines and she was puzzled thatthere were few females represented inthe geology field. She then worked hardat school and was accepted to study geology at the University of Venda. In2004, she relocated from her homeprovince and moved to Johannesburg toattain her Geology Honours degree atthe University of the Witwatersrand.Immediately after completing her studies,in December 2004, she started workingat Lonmin Platinum Mine. A very loyalemployee she was, she worked withLonmin for 10 years. While at Lonmin,she became the head of the Women inMining Forum. She was leading this roleconcurrently with her geologyresponsibilities.

Making the MineralsIndustry More adaptablefor WomenBy Katleho Phamotse and Kgabo Mokoena

Left: Kgabo Mokoena, Middle: Caroline Mulaudzi,Right: Katleho Phamotse

‘Caroline could relate tothe problems that otherwomen were facingbecause she herself wasrequired to put on thePPE and spend 4-5hours underground. Shethen saw the need tostart the MbokotoGroup, a ‘one-stop’company focusing onpersonal protectiveequipment (PPE)designed for the femalephysique’

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This was a very opportune position forher as she was able to have an eagle’seye view of the problems women werefaced with in the mines. A lot of womenwould complain that the personalprotective equipment (PPE) garmentswere not suited for their physique andneeds. Caroline could relate to theproblems that other women were facingbecause she herself was required to puton the PPE and spend 4-5 hoursunderground. She then saw the need tostart the Mbokoto Group, a ‘one-stop’company focusing on PPE designed forthe female physique and sanitary packsfor women to attach to their PPE in caseof emergencies, hosting workshops toempower women, with the PPE havingreceived the greatest achievement.

There is maternity-wear PPE as pregnantwomen can be allocated low-risk tasksthat may still require them to wear fullPPE on surface (for example: ladiesworking at the stores) All these variationsof PPE are available because Carolinestrongly believes that a garment shouldaccommodate a person’s needs. Thefabric that the PPE is made of is SABS-approved to meet safety standards for amining environment.In August 2015, Caroline introduced her

PPE products at the women’s conferenceorganized by the MHSC and DMR atBirchwood Hotel. The Mbokoto brandreceived enthusiastic support from theunions, mine management, and thegeneral workforce. The conference wasattended by numerous mining houses,and the then Minister of Minerals (MrNgoako Ramatlhodi) who was highlyimpressed by the innovations and theunique designs. This was the highlight forCaroline, her hard work and persistencehad finally paid off.

Starting her own company was not asmooth ride. She faced many challengesalong the way; these included raising thestarting capital to buy machinery, payingemployees, and a lack of skills withregards to operating sewing machines. Itbecame very apparent to Caroline at thetime that South Africa lacks portableskills.

‘Be self-driven: there area lot of challenges alongthe way and if you donot want somethingbadly for yourself,anything can shift yourfocus’

Maternity wear that flares out as the pregnantwoman’s tummy grows

Dungaree PPE to accommodate different bustsizes

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Training costs became a large expensefor her, and gave birth to other problemsof efficiencies in producing requiredbatches of PPE. Mining is a very oldprofession in South Africa and PPE hasbeen worn for years; as a result, minesprefer to purchase PPE from reputablecompanies that have been in thebusiness for a while. That becameanother challenge for Caroline as it wasnot easy to penetrate the market. Ithowever turned out that the women whohad tried on Caroline’s PPE wereextremely happy with the comfort andhow the PPE was able to meet theirneeds. To overcome most of herchallenges, Caroline worked closely withthe Department of Mineral Resources(DMR) and the Mine Health and SafetyCouncil (MHSC). She attends tripartitemeetings and the two bodies have helpedimmensely with exposure for hercompany. She also worked closely withthe government funding and businessdevelopment institutions such as theSmall Enterprise Financing Agencies(SEFA) and Small EnterpriseDevelopment Agencies (SEDA). Toimprove productivity and efficiencies, hercompany is working closely withProductivity SA, an institution specializingin analysing and improving businessperformance. To develop her exportcapabilities, the Export Credit InsuranceCo-operation of South Africa (ECIC) alsoapproved her company for further capitaloutlay and support. This also proves to allSouth Africans that the government hasestablished substantial institutionsdirected towards supporting small andmedium enterprises (SMEs). Caroline’sPPE products have passed the end-usertrial and have been approved for use bysome of the biggest mining companies inSouth Africa, including Sibanye Gold,Gold Fields, Gold One, Bokoni Platinum,PPC Slurry, Idwala Lime Producers ,Samancor Chrome East, Two Rivers,Dwars River, and Universal Coal.Being a young woman in a male-dominated world, Caroline has neededvery strong support structures by her side

that have encouraged her to soldier oneven when it seemed like things wouldnot work out. Her support structures havebeen her mother, brothers, and herchildren as she wants to leave a legacyfor them. While mentioning her children,Caroline did remark that she was ateenage mother and that was never abarrier for her to achieve her goals.Instead she turned it into a positiveaspect and kept pushing forward to reachto the stars.Her mentor, Mark Munroe, current VicePresident at Black Mountain Mining, hasplayed a great role in her success too.Her advice to young people who wish tofollow the entrepreneurial route is asfollows. - Break boundaries: do not limit

yourself to what people have beenable to do in the past

- Get as much exposure as possible:go out there, ask, do not only dowork for money, do it to learn

- Remain focused: even if you havemany ideas, focus on at least threeor four and watch them transpirebefore moving onto the next idea

- Be humble: always be willing tolearn from your surroundings andfrom everyone, regardless of theirrank

- Develop very good listening skills: itis in listening that you are able toidentify an area that needs extremecaution and focus

- Be self-driven: there are a lot ofchallenges along the way and if youdo not want something badly foryourself, anything can shift yourfocus

- Be persistent: for the doors that arenot open, be willing to kick and slamthem down

- Do not take ‘no’ for an answer: thereare many people willing to help soyou must not be discouraged by anyone person who says no.

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Given the great advice, Caroline showsfurther that she does not just mentionthings but she practices what shepreaches. Her company, Mbokoto Group,has grown, and a mining consultancywas birthed from her initial company,named MIC Mining Consultancy. Herconsultancy firm has worked onmanganese and coal exploration projectsand is assisting with obtaining mininglicenses and mine technical services, tomention a few. Today, Caroline’scompanies can run themselves since shestrongly believes in learning continuously.To prove that, she is currently studyingtowards a Bachelor of Commerce degreein Management at the University of SouthAfrica (UNISA). She not only empowersherself but also empowers peoplethrough learnerships offered at MbokotoGroup.Mbokoto Group currently has about 35employees, most of whom were recruitedthrough the learnership programme thatoffers a tailoring course. The people whosuccessfully complete the tailoring courseend up as employees. Caroline is truly aninspiration to young people.

Standing tall above: Caroline MashuduMulaudzi

THE SAMREC and SAMVAL CODESAdvanced Workshop: Can you face your peers?

3–4 May 2017Emperors Palace

Hotel Casino Convention Resort, Johannesburg

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Mr Erhan Uludag, from Turkey,graduated with a MiningEngineering degree from Middle

East Technical University. When he wasa third-year student, he did vacation workin South Africa and it was then that hereceived a job offer from Gold FieldsSouth Africa. After completion of hisstudies in 1990, he relocated to SouthAfrica and worked in an undergroundgold mine for seven years. He latermoved to De Beers, where he worked inmining research for approximately 10years. He then moved to TWP as aconsultant mining engineer for two and ahalf years. Finally, in 2010, he became alecturer at Wits University, lecturingsecond, third, and fourth year studentsand sharing the expertise he gainedthrough working so diligently in the miningindustry.Q: What is mining engineering? A: Mining engineering involves theprocess of safely extracting a mineral thatnaturally occurs on surface, underground,or on the ocean floor. It is the task of a

mining engineer to find technically andfinancially viable methods to extract suchminerals.

Q: What interested you to studysomething in the minerals industry?One of my relatives was a miningengineer and I thought it was worthexploring – at the time I did not knowmuch about mining.

Q: What is your view is of the industrycurrently?The Global Financial Crisis of 2008affected South Africa later in comparisonto other countries. It started about2010/2011.The South African mining industry issuffering a bit currently and one of thereasons is the ground conditions. Groundconditions are a problem mainly in goldand platinum mines as they are becomingdeeper and deeper. It is, however, difficultto mechanize under such conditions soconventional methods are still largelybeing used. Things are definitely gettingbetter, though, as more projects arecoming up each year.Beyond South Africa, it is important tonote that mining is cyclical. Global mininghas not suffered that much. The worsteffects were felt in 2008. Only metalprices remain affected, and it is importantto note that more mining companies areopening up across the world.

Q: In your opinion, is the mining fieldlacking skills and if so, which skills?There is no shortage of skills, eventhough the industry has complainedabout the quality of graduates. Whatuniversities have done to combat thatproblem is to increase the entryrequirements into mining andmetallurgical engineering degrees.

LECTURER Q&ASESSIONBy Katleho Phamotse

‘The mining industry canbe very dynamic, so rigidityis not a good idea’

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Q: Are there any mining-related fieldsthat a person can further studytowards after obtaining a miningengineering degree?Yes. There are fields such as petroleumengineering, project management,Master in Business Administration (MBA),mechanized mining through mechanicalengineering, and working in banks doingfeasibility studies on mines. Those aresome of the fields to follow that contributeto the growth of the minerals industry asa whole when combined with a miningengineering degree.Q: Given the current state of theindustry, there are more people whoenrol to further their studies (e.g.Master’s degree). Does that increase astudent’s employment prospects andis it really necessary to do a Master’sdegree and doctorate?That depends heavily onthe Master’s degree topic.Some students choosetopics that relate to realmining problems and theybecome fortunate enoughto collect their data froman actual mine that isfacing the problem at thetime. It is also very important for students toavoid developing an attitude towardscertain courses throughout the course oftheir degree because of a dislike of thelecturer. That very same field could be theone which lacks students venturing intoit.Q: What advice could be given to astudent currently studying for theirundergraduate degree in order to helpthem find their area of interest earlyenough?Do not develop a negative attitudetowards any courses due to a high failurerate or the lecturers. Find out as muchinformation about every single coursethroughout the degree in order to see ifthere is anything beyond the classroomthat interests you about the topic.

Most importantly, speak to your lecturers.Do not be scared to speak to them—theyare there to help.Q: Any advice that you wish you hadbeen given as a student or when youstarted out in your career?‘Learning never stops’. It is important toalways be eager to learn. The miningindustry can be very dynamic so rigidityis not a good idea.Good communication skills are veryimportant, as well as having a lot ofenergy.Q: Is it important for one to beaffiliated with a professional body?Yes. Being affiliated with a professionalbody informs a person of the requiredinternational standards in the industry.This means that their career is not limitedto one place or one country. Affiliation canalso serve as a motivation to actively

learn, as it generallyhelps with staying incontact with people inthe industry acrossdifferent commoditiesand how mining isevolving in a certaincommodity worldwide.

Q: What advice can be given to agraduate who cannot findemployment? Are there other jobs toapply for besides the ‘mainstream’mining jobs?As I mentioned earlier, it is important toalways be eager to learn. Broaden yourmind and think further than where youcome from. Apply for employment beyondthe borders of South Africa.Q: What can a student do while theyare still in university to increase theiremployment prospects?Read a lot - there are a lot of miningmagazines, journals, and seminars. Bewilling to know about the state of theindustry at any point; develop self-trustwhen you know about a topic whilelearning.

‘Being affiliated with aprofessional body informsone of the requiredinternational standards inthe industry’

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Choosing to Further YourAcademic Profile at a YoungAgeIs it Advisable or Does OneNeed Experience in theIndustry?By Dineo Makhoba

Choosing to be an academic at thebeginning of anyone’s workingcareer is a decision that has to be

well thought out and pre-planned.Questions such as ‘What are you tryingto master?’ or ‘What skills are yourefining?’ should be seriously consideredbefore doing a Master’s. This ensurescomplete satisfaction with career path theundergraduate has chosen.

Furthering your academic qualificationswill also depend on the field of study, thetype of company you work for, and theessence of your developmental goals.Choosing to do your Master’s degree willdepend on your career choice and yourgoals in terms of your futuredevelopment. Do you choose academiaor operational expertise?If the field a graduate is going intorequires a broad knowledge ofengineering systems and processes,applications of innovative technology, andspecialized knowledge on consultationwithin that field, then a Master’s degreewould be beneficial.

If the production route is a graduate’spreferred option then obtaining a blastingcertificate, Mine Overseer’s certificateand a Mine Manager’s certificate will holdmore weight within the industry than aMaster’s degree. In terms of the production sector ofmining, a Master’s degree will not holdvalue from a promotional standpoint. Thisis because in terms of promotional value,experience and a technical application ofmining engineering knowledge, will holdmore weight for a newly employedgraduate.

According to Tshegofatso Mashapu, aSouth 32 production manager currentlydoing his Master’s degree at theUniversity of the Witwatersrand,furthering his studies was just a means ofsharpening his skill set and broadeninghis technical background. From thebeginning of his career, his main focuswas putting energy into industry-specificskills so that he could advance in theproduction sector. In addition to this, hisadvice to graduates is to seriouslyconsider their career path and analysewhere they would like to see themselveswithin the mining engineering industry.In the end, doing your Master’s degreewill depend on your developmental goals,where you envision yourself in the future,and on the field you feel that you aremost likely to succeed in.

‘Technical application ofmining engineeringknowledge will hold moreweight for a newlyemployed graduate’

‘Questions such as “Whatare you trying tomaster?” or “What skillsare you refining?”,should be seriouslyconsidered’

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What Students expect fromthe Industry afterGraduation, and the RealityBy Dineo Makhoba

One of the main aims of the YPC is toensure that varsity students areadequately equipped with the basic

tools that will propel them in industry asgraduates.Currently, the view of the mining industryaccording to the younger generation isquite vague and unclear. According toKhanyisile Khenene, a grade 11 studentfrom the Eunice High School for Girls,being a mining engineer is about findingdiamonds. Indeed, this is quite a limitedand basic view of the exciting miningindustry as there is a wide range ofcommodities.

The industry may thus seemunpredictable and daunting for mostundergraduate students who are in thebeginning stages of attaining theirdegree. The academic requirements forentry into the academic programmeensure that the technical skills of thestudent are effective enough to beapplied within the working industry.With that being said, what are the mainexpectations of a graduate with regard tothe real and exciting world of the miningindustry?For most students the biggestexpectation is, ‘Finally all my hard work isgoing to pay off.’ Realistically speaking,however, the starting salary package of

most graduates is adequate only oncesaving and smart spending techniqueshave been adopted. Students also expectthe same structured routine that theyhave become used to during their wholeschooling career, but graduateprogrammes will require flexibility andtime management skills.As an undergraduate student, equippingyourself not only with technical tools butwith the capacity to climb the socialladder is imperative for ensuring yourown personal growth within the industry. According to Boitumelo Tshetlanyane, arecent mining engineering graduate fromWits University and a South 32employee, her expectations of the miningindustry were of a very cut-throat andfast-paced environment. However, shehas since learnt that while the industry isindeed fast-paced, the initiative anddetermination of the graduate will prevail. In addition to this, the mining industry willrequire the graduate to have socialnetworking skills, a clear vision of where

they want to be headed, and tocontinually ask themselves the ever-important question ‘How do I becomegreater?’Most undergraduates expect the workenvironment to be flexible and wellplanned, but as mentioned above theworking environment will be influenced bythe initiative and the motivation of thegraduate. It will mean pushing yourselfbeyond your comfort zone and growingyour social skills at varsity. It is not aneasy path, but with determination andcommitment all things are possible.

‘For most students thebiggest expectation is,“Finally all my hard work isgoing to pay off”’

The ever-important question is“How do I become greater?”

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Khanyisile Kunene: What do youthink, in your opinion, was the mostchallenging thing about vacationwork?Interviewee 1: Getting taken seriously,they do not assign you any real work.Interviewee 2: They did not give me anywork, so it was somewhat difficult to findthe introduction to mining.Interviewee 3: It was not properlyorganized, instead of it being anexposure to mining we just ended updoing theoretical things that we do hereat school. In my understanding, vacationwork should be about learning thepractical side of things.Interviewee 4: There was no guidance,and there was no relation between theproject given and the courses done atschool.KK: What advice would you give tosomeone who is yet to attend vacationwork? 1: You must know what you want to do inadvance.2: Absorb everything you can when yougo there because that could help you, notonly at school but also in your mining life.

3: Keep an open mind, it is an interestingexperience. People there see you as athreat, so treat people there with respect.4: Good communication makes for agood project. They should be confidentand not be afraid to make mistakes. Theyshould also go to the school of mining toseek for advice as to what kind ofquestions to ask during vacation work.KK: How do you communicateeffectively with management andsupervisors?1: Learn to ask questions when unclearof things – it helps a lot.2: Before you go for vacation work, dosome research on it so that you havecontent to engage your managers on.3: Try to stand out by being cooperativeand interactive so that they notice you.4: You must respect the hierarchy; youmust know who to talk to before you jumpto the big boss. You should also knowwho to ask to get what you want.

Let Us Hear from the Students Themselvesa) Interview with Students about Vacation WorkBy Khanyisile Kunene

Interviews were conducted with students to understand some of their expectations fromvacation work as well as the challenges faced. These are the dialogue interviews withsome of the students interviewed, which reflect opinions that are shared widely among

undergraduate students.

It is evident, from the above interviews and other interactions with students that each studentshould understand why he or she is going to vacation work and what they want to get fromit. This should come in the form of pre-reading on the type of commodity and also on thespecified project given. Pre-reading enables students to ask relevant questions and to obtainthe most out of vacation work.

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Lukona Melento: How do you currentlyfeel about the industry?Interviewee 1: It is bad, because we arenot guaranteed jobs after working so hardfor this degree.Interviewee 2: I still feel like I do not knowenough about it, so I do not want to gothere.Interviewee 3: I do not have experiencein the industry, but from the little that Ihave seen so far, like every other thing ithas its pros and cons. However, I thinkwith the new generation that is coming inthere are many things we can change.Interviewee 4: It is a harsh industry.LM: How far do you wish to go in theindustry?1: Some of the mining engineersproduced do not end up working inmines. I would like to stay in the industryand apply the knowledge that I have beentaught here at school to build the industry.I would like to be a developer of thesystem.2: I do not really care about what Ibecome there; I just want to have 10years of experience.3: At this point, I am not sure what of whatmy interests are so I do not know.4: I would like be the CEO of a miningcompany.

LM: Do you still feel the same way youdid before first year about the degree?1: No, I do not.2: No.3: No4: YesLM: What has changed?1: Reality has kicked in; a real feel ofwhat the industry is like and not the officeyou initially thought you would be in.2: I have learnt a lot, I feel like I now knowa little more about mining than I didbefore, which has made me realize that itis not what I thought I was signing up for.3: I thought it was one thing but when Igot here it was not really what I thought itwas, so that kind of threw me off.4: I feel more proud of what I am doingnow than I did in first year, because mostpeople would never do what I am doing.LM: Is there any advice you would giveto someone who is still in high schooland would like to pursue mining?1: Find a person who is already in theindustry, a person who will tell you aboutwhat you are getting yourself into,because we find people who end upchanging to other degrees because theyrealized they do not like mining.

b) Interview with the Students about what they think of theMining IndustryBy Lukona Melento

Interviews were conducted with a number of young students who are currently pursuing anundergraduate degree in the field of Mining Engineering. These are some of the varyingopinions that they had.

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2: They must research, and byresearching I do not mean Google; theymust find someone who is doing miningwho will tell them what they will really do.3: Make sure it is really something youwant to do, because waking up to attendclasses or to go to a job that you do notwant is going to take three to four timesthe effort as doing something you love.Do as much research on mining as youcan, so that when you do choose it issomething you want and not what youthink you want.4: They should be physically and mentallyprepared for the challenges.LM: What do you wish someone hadtold you before you started?1: That I will not be working in an air-conditioned office; underground is not likean office.2: I would have actually preferred beingshown mining, rather than be told what itis.

3: What ‘starting at the bottom of thechain’ in mining really means. I wish theyhad told me that so that I can reconsider.4: I wish someone had told me that Iwould be dealing with different types ofpeople, people that are profane andvulgar and do not want to do their workas they should.LM: What are your likes and dislikesabout mining?2: I like the fact that it is different from theother engineering fields. I do not like themining politics.3: I like how there is so much room forpotential. Now that more learned peopleare coming into mining we can expectchange. I do not like the culture, the factthat it is male-dominated and how it isinformal.4: I like mining and the challenges itcomes with. I dislike the lack of diligencein the people.

Students generally did not know what to expect when starting their studies in mining andalthough they might have had a slight idea, the reality of mining only hit them once they hadstarted on the course. This gives an indication that not enough is taught or explained aboutmining to young pupils who are yet to enter into tertiary institutions and pursue a career inmining; which might explain the reason why a large number of mining graduates do not stayin the mining environment for long.

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SAIMM Johannesburg Branch Student Debate

Courtesy of SAIMM Johannesburg BranchBy Sihe Nhleko

The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Johannesburg Branch has beenrunning an annual initiative called the Student Debate since 2012. The Student Debate2016 was held by the Johannesburg Branch together with the Young Professionals

Council (YPC) at Worley Parsons at Melrose Arch. The purpose of this initiative is to empowerstudents from various education institutions. Students are expected to research and presentthe information depending on the theme of the event. This event enhances students’ abilityto research and present their information. The 2016 topic was for students (representingmember countries of the SAIMM) to make a pitch to a mining investment team promotingtheir allocated country and convincing the investors to invest in their countries.

For more information please contact Kea Shumba at Kea@saimm.co.za

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Phethani MadzivhandilaPhethani is a Metallurgy student at the University of theWitwatersrand, currently in his third year. He is from Venda, Limpopoand went to Thengwe High School. He chose Metallurgy becauseof the lack of engineering skills amongst black people and has aparticular interest in the academic field. Phethani has been tutoringhigh-school students in maths and science since 2012 and is alsopart of a feeding scheme in Orlando, Soweto where he alsomotivates and inspires the youth in the area. According to Phetani,‘reading helps unlock the mind and makes us more conscious of oursurroundings’; which is why he does a lot of reading. In terms ofleadership, he is the current Media Officer for the Wits School of

Metallurgy School Council.Aspirations and goals: To see more black people achieving success and bring an end tomonopolization of the mining industry, and also to become an academic.

Julia MosolaJulia is a B.Tech Mining Engineering student at the University ofJohannesburg. She is from Odendaalsrus in the Free State. She isan academic achiever, with top achievement in Mining Engineering(S3 and S4) for Harmony Gold Mining Company among herachievements. Tutoring is one of her passions; she tutored mathsand physical sciences to grade 11 and 12 students in the FreeState. In terms of leadership, she is the current chairperson for theWomen in Mining at the University of Johannesburg (WIMUJ).Goals and aspirations: To study towards a qualification in projectmanagement and industrial engineering in future. She would alsolike to be involved in more initiatives that involve female empowerment and development inthe mining industry.

Tsholofelo MolefeTsholofelo is a Mining Engineering student at the University ofJohannesburg. She is from Hammanskraal in Pretoria, and went toTipfuxeni High School and finished matric as a top achiever. Thechallenges and ever-changing nature of the mining industry is whatattracted her to studying mining engineering. She had always knownthat she wanted to do engineering, but initially battled with finding aspecific industry that matched her skill set and personality. She wasintrigued by the unpredictability of the industry, as it keeps one ontheir toes. Martin Luther King said ‘… everybody can be great,because greatness is achieved by service’. Tsholofelo displays thatby playing a role in her community. She received the Solomon

Mahlangu Scholarship due to her community engagements; she also received the Enke:Make Your Mark Visionary Award for community projects, to name just a few.

Young and Prominent

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Poloko MotsoanePoloko is a final-year Mining Engineering student at the Universityof the Witwatersrand. He is from the Free State and finished grade12 at the top of his class at Kheleng Secondary School in PhomolongHennenman. He picked mining engineering due to the importanceof problem-solving, communication, and leadership in the field; whichhe related to. Academics are of great importance to Poloko, so areleadership roles. He is the current treasurer for the Students inMining Engineering Society (SMES.) and has held the position ofchair of Wits School of Mining Engineering Council in 2016. He seeksto impact more lives with his academic and leadership skills.

Vielet HilaneVielet, also known as Kgomotso, is a 21-year-old who was born andraised in a small township called Lethabong next to Rustenburg. Shematriculated at Iketleetso High School in 2013 and pursued hertertiary career at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2014. Shequalified for her first degree in Materials Science in 2016 and iscurrently studying her second degree in Metallurgy. Her involvementstretches from being a part of a new organization called Queens WithConfidence, which aims to empower fellow sisters while they are stillyoung, to serving as a vice-leader for ushers at Christian ActionFellowship. ‘I am one person who likes to see others happy, I aminspired each and every day by what is going on in this world to bringchange to someone else’s life.’ Her inspiration to succeed is hermother, two little sisters, and her brother Dr Lawerence Mphahlele (a dental surgeon) whoalways pushes her to do her best, be kind, to hustle, and never settle. Her career goals areto gain more knowledge from companies like Mintek and the CSIR, as they are more researchand mineral technology orientated. She sees herself working as a Process Metallurgist for acompany such as Mintek or Outotec. Her future is very bright.

We recognize these young individuals for excelling in their academic studies, theircommunities, and in their careers. We appreciate their continuing efforts to changethis world and, most importantly, our mining industry. We thank them for being rolemodels and for inspiring the next generation of mining leaders. May their futures beas bright as they are.

Young and Prominent

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By Khanyisile Kunene

Energy efficiency, resource andenvironmental conservation, andimproved safety have become some

of the main reasons for the urgent needfor nnovative ideas in both mining andmetallurgy. According to the MerriamWebster dictionary, innovation is ‘a newidea, method or device’. With thisdefinition in mind, this article (which willfocus mainly on mining) will discuss theimpact and importance of innovation,especially of young, emergingprofessionals.The Southern African mining industry isstill in its infancy in terms of technology,mechanization, and automation. Hard-rock mines still, for the most part, employconventional methods of mining the ore.These conventional methods worked wellwhen the ore was easier to access andprocess; but due to deeper orebodies,economic instability, reduced demand,increased energy per ton mined, anddeteriorating grades; new ways ofextracting ore have to be found in orderto keep the industry alive and booming.As some countries move towardautomation; South Africa is still in thetransitional phase from conventionalmining to mechanization.

The move to more innovative ideas wouldmean that there is a greater opportunityfor young professionals, although notlimited to just the young, to design andapply creativity to the mining andmetallurgy industry. Althoughmechanization and automation reducethe number of people required at theworking face, they will, however, open adoor for new skills development in miningand metallurgy. The easiest part of theprocess of improving the industry iscoming up with new ideas; but it isimportant that these ideas addresscurrent problems in mining andmetallurgy and are then driven toconclusion and implementation. Themove towards automation will not onlyimprove how minerals are extracted andprocessed, but will also improve the skillsand knowledge of those working withinthese industries.

Innovations in the Mining and Metallurgy Industries

‘The move to moreinnovative ideas wouldmean that there is agreater opportunity foryoung professionals...’

Source: Mining Global

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CRISSCROSS: 45 MINUTES

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