Pod of Gold

Woman in Mining Webinar Series 1: Women stepping into leadership

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
Webinar: Women Raising Their Hands & Stepping Into Leadership
Your Host: Hulisani Mabe - Executive Director Mining & CRM at Krypton Mining
Guest Speaker: Larissa Gounden - Founding Member of Women in Mining, Arizona Chapter USA

Episode 7: Bernard Swanepoel

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
As one of the continent’s most knowledgeable leaders in Mining Engineering, Bernard Swanepoel demonstrated, as CEO of Harmony Gold, the ability to manage the delicate balance between cost and optimised productivity through team work.
With more than 40 years’ experience in the South African mining industry, of which a quarter of a decade was in executive management, Swanepoel was recently appointed an independent non-executive director of construction and engineering group Aveng’s board, and he also serves on the boards of Impala Platinum, Zimplats and Omnia Holdings.
As a leader, he has passionately strived throughout his career to flatten the corporate hierarchy and remove unnecessary layers of management.

Episode 6: Charl Labuschagne

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
Becoming a geologist was Charl Labuschagne’s childhood dream.
Currently the Mineral Resource Manager at Sibanye-Stillwater, the world's third largest producer of gold, Labuschagne achieved his dream 20 years ago already when he started out in the mining industry as Senior Geologist at AngloGold Ashanti.
Having spent time in the diamond industry on the west coast of Africa too, Labuschagne however found his niche in gold, but, as he warns, local gold operations are currently marginal.
The sector is faced with various technical, economic, social and operational challenges, as well as challenges unique to the Republic.
Therefore, he suggests, sustainable mining will be key going forward.

Episode 5: Paul Higgins

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
Paul Higgins’ ability to see possibilities and make things work has been key in establishing DINGO as an industry-standard in predictive maintenance.
Originally from Queensland, Australia, Paul completed an MSc in Engineering Management in Missouri, USA, before spending a number of years with Clorox in California, leading maintenance improvement efforts at 34 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Returning Down Under in 1994, he joined DINGO Software, where he swiftly introduced an innovative approach to mining maintenance that dramatically increases operational efficiency and saves millions of dollars by proactively caring for equipment.
As Paul quips, it takes some sort of a genius to believe in the unknown.

Episode 4: Dr Annamare Wolmarans

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
Dr Annamare Wolmarans has enjoyed, and, at times, had to endure, a remarkable journey in the mining industry.
With a PhD Informatics degree, which focuses on Mine Closures, she is currently IT Manager at Exxaro Resources, having started at the company more than 30 years ago - as a stand-in typist!
Annamare’s career progressed rapidly, because she describes herself as a ‘quick learner’, who is curious, inquisitive and wants to understand processes.
As an expert in life planning, too, she is passionate about training, to create possibilities for other people, specifically women in mining, and to simply help them achieve something better in life.

Episode 3: Johan du Toit

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
Technological development is the most powerful engine of growth in industry today. With more than 30 years' of experience in innovative Information Technology, Johan du Toit, IT Manager at Exxaro Resources, has experienced the radical innovation of IT first hand.
Throughout his career, Johan has championed IT sourcing initiatives that improve service levels and reduce operating costs year on year.
Moreover, since safety has become a major concern in the mining industry, it’s relevant to examine ways that technology can be used to create a safer mining environment as well.
And, the key in a fast-moving environment like mining, according to Johan, is connectivity with flexibility.

Episode 2: Zintle Xakawe

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
Zintle Xakawe does not see challenges, but opportunities.
Even if it means navigating politics in a previously male-dominated environment.
As a Business Solutions Analyst with Krypton Mining, Zintle’s daily challenges are to optimise production and increase efficiency in the mining industry.
As a child, living in Mdantsane, Zintle became used to looking for solutions from an early age, and at university decided that she wanted to pursue a career in Business Systems Analysis.
She eventually discovered mining, and, more specifically, Krypton Mining, who jumped at the opportunity to obtain and promote her talent.
According to Zintle, Krypton’s mission is to leave a mark of realisable value in mining…

Episode 1: Hulisani Mabe

In Partnership with Krypton Mining: https://krypton360.com
Hailing from the Limpopo, Krypton Mining director Hulisani Mabe developed a passion for geology at university.
As one of only a few female students pursuing geology, Hulisani was already breaking ground back then. She entered the world of mining in 2008 and, with the necessary mentoring, has built up an intimate understanding of the industry, with specific focus on designing and implementing technological solutions.
Boasting 10 years’ experience at various levels of both mining and consulting in African and other international mineral commodity fields, Hulisani believes that, as a woman in a previously male-dominated industry, one should become diversified and grow interest in the innovation space.