Women in mining

What are the most memorable opportunities that you have experienced while working for the company?
"The first was whilst working at the Oaks mine. I was required, as a relatively junior team member, to give a presentation on our Mineral Resource Management (MRM) performance at a meeting attended by Jonathan Oppenheimer as the (then) Managing Director of DBCM. The second was while at the Namaqualand mine … when I was responsible for our continuous exploration programme. This was exciting and a significant responsibility … waiting for good sample results and developing new mine blocks for future mining activity.”

What is your viewpoint on the emerging
role of women in mining?
“I believe gender equality is not just about getting the numbers right, it’s about enabling women to make a meaningful contribution towards the business. I believe I’m making that contribution by stepping into my own power as a woman and making the best out of it. There is a forum for women at the Kimberley mine, and I mentor junior women in order to help them develop their career. I provide a safe space to encourage sharing and expressing feelings openly. It’s the right time in the history of South Africa for women to go for it.”

What are the most memorable opportunities that you have experienced while working for the company?
“The most rewarding part of my work is helping ensure projects are successful.  Most recently this has included work with the Voorspoed project team in South Africa as a mining economist throughout the entire project phase and in the early part of implementation. I am currently working on the AK06 joint venture project in which local Botswana company Wati has an interest. I project manage the structuring of the joint venture company. In 2004 I was also given the opportunity to complete an MDP at GIBS business school with associates from around the Family of Companies and was awarded the best participant award.”

What is your viewpoint on the emerging role of women in mining?
“There are more opportunities in the mining industry for women, though capitalising on these requires perseverance. Experience on the mines is always beneficial for long term career prospects, whilst involvement with industry bodies such as the Geological Society of South Africa is important in terms of  exposure and professional development. Don’t expect a company to create opportunities for you … make them for yourself … be responsible for your own career growth.”