The Crucible - Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM)

In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Dr Jeannette McGill shares the 30-year journey behind her summit of Mount Everest — a dream that began as a quiet “one-day” goal and evolved into a test of resilience, commitment, and courage. From pioneering roles in the mining and technology sectors to multiple attempts on the world’s highest peak, she reflects on setbacks, turning back when it mattered most, and the discipline of consistent preparation.

More than a story about climbing Everest, this is a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements are built through daily commitment,…

In this special episode of The Crucible, current SAIMM President Gary Lane sits down with Past President Dr. Elias Matinde to reflect on their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the future of the mining and metallurgy profession.

What starts as a conversational exchange between two leaders becomes an insightful look into mentorship, volunteering, skill development, and the evolving needs of the mining industry. Gary and Elias discuss their backgrounds, the impact of SAIMM on industry knowledge-sharing, and the critical role of young professionals in shaping the sector’s future.

In this episode of The Crucible, Kabelo Rathobei (Researcher PhD Candidate | Luleå University of Technology) sits down with Boitumelo Nkomo, the Women in Mining (WIM) Programme Manager at the Minerals Council South Africa, to unpack one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: discrimination and unconscious bias in hiring and promotions.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience and deep sector-wide engagement, Boitumelo provides historical context, insight into structural biases, and clarity on what meaningful transformation requires within mining workplaces.

In this episode of The Crucible, Dr Kym Morton leads a powerful discussion on the evolving science, technology, and governance of tailings management. She is joined by Justin Walls (SRK Consulting), Simone Maharaj (Impala Platinum), and Alistair Bovim (Insight Terra), who share insights into how mining houses and consultants are improving the safety, efficiency, and accountability of tailings storage facilities (TSFs).

This episode of The Crucible unpacks the relaunch of the SAIMM Diversity & Inclusion Committee with Zohreh Fakhraei, Mark Munroe, Selma Matshego, Maria Combrink, and Annah Kgaswane. They share their journeys in the mining industry, what diversity and inclusion mean to them, and the shifts they want to see - from inclusive leadership and flexible work policies to treating Diversity and Inclusion with the same urgency as safety and production in the minerals sector.

This conversation highlights how the committee aims to move beyond tick-box compliance toward meaningful action that creates a…

In this episode of The Crucible, host Adelle Coetzee speaks with renowned tailings expert Andrew Copeland about the critical alignment of South Africa’s SANS 10286 standard with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

This episode provides deep insights into the historical context, the urgent need for reform following past dam failures, and the multi-stakeholder drafting process behind the revised standard.

Building Trust, Empowering Communities, and Securing the Social License.

In this episode of The Crucible, host Kabelo Rathobei is joined by Alex Khumalo, Head of Social Performance at the Minerals Council South Africa, for a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concept of the social license to operate (SLO) in the mining sector.

Together, they explore why legal compliance alone is no longer enough, and how mining companies must shift their focus from box-ticking exercises to building genuine, long-term partnerships with host communities. Khumalo discusses the importance of going beyond…

The world’s dependency on metals has become more evident with the growing demand for metals required to drive advancements in the technological and digital landscape, and the energy transition for a carbon neutral future. This growing demand, however, implies that the metal extraction industry will need to play a significant role in providing the world with vast quantities of metals, crucial in the building of the necessary infrastructure. Join Buhle Xakalashe and Jochen Petersen for their discussion on the future of Hydrometallurgy.

This episode was recorded with the Hydrometallurgy…

In this compelling episode of The Crucible, former SAIMM President Zelmia Botha (Koketso Project & Commissioning Manager at Anglo American), sits down with Erwee Lourens (Senior Manager of Progress at ArcelorMittal South Africa) to explore South Africa’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts.

Erwee, an industry expert, dives into the pressing challenges and groundbreaking opportunities on the path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. He unpacks the complex balancing act between meeting the country’s energy demands and reducing emissions, emphasising that South Africa’s energy sector remains…

In this episode, Nicole Wansbury and Ken Lomberg delve into the South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC Code), a crucial framework for ensuring transparent and standardised reporting in the mining industry.

This episode features Ken Lomberg (former chairperson and current Director at Pivot Mining Consultants) and Nicole Wansbury (the new chairperson) explore the significance of this essential code, which has been setting the benchmark for responsible mineral asset reporting since 2000.

Managed by the SAIMM and GSSA, the…

An open conversation on embracing challenges and thoughtful leadership.

Listen in on this captivating conversation between Prelisha Singh, Mark Munroe, and Nomsa Mbere who discuss their experiences in leadership, pitching the appropriate leadership relationship, and the symbiotic nature of leadership roles.

Their conversation spotlights the importance of being open to learning, adapting one's leadership style to their environment, and addressing unconscious bias on the basis of gender.

Celebrating 90 Years of Mintek's Legacy in Mining and Metallurgy.

This episode of The Crucible the podcast celebrates Mintek's 90th anniversary and its contributions to the mineral and metallurgical industry. Zelmia Botha (Project Manager Feasibility Studies | Exxaro) is joined by industry stalwart, Roger Paul, who is preceded by a 35 year legacy with Mintek. Roger shares his passion for research and Mintek's significant contributions to mineral and metallurgical innovation.

An insightful discussion on ownership, mining, and professional growth.

In this episode of The Crucible podcast, SAIMM YPC Office Bearer, Connie Chijara, hosts Tokyo Ndlela, Managing Partner at Tokyo Ndlela Attorneys Inc., SAIMM YPC Office Bearer, entrepreneur, and lawyer in the mining industry.

Tokyo shares his background, starting in the oil and gas industry before transitioning to mining law, and discusses the benefits of entrepreneurship, such as developing an ownership mindset and the importance of personal growth.

A riveting discussion on the importance of leadership, culture, and people.

Join SAIMM YPC Chairperson, Kondwani Banda and CEO of OIM Consulting, Arjen de Bruin as they discuss Arjen's illustrious career in the mining industry and essential tools that influence productivity in the minerals industry. Arjen unpacks the importance of leadership, culture, and a people-centric approach in driving productivity improvements.

A riveting discussion on the importance of leadership, culture, and people.

Join SAIMM YPC Chairperson, Kondwani Banda and CEO of OIM Consulting, Arjen de Bruin as they discuss Arjen's illustrious career in the mining industry and essential tools that influence productivity in the minerals industry. Arjen unpacks the importance of leadership, culture, and a people-centric approach in driving productivity improvements.

In this episode, William Joughin, President of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and Director of SRK Global talks to host Zelmia Botha who is the Immediate Past President of SAIMM.

William shares his background and experience in the mining industry, including his work at Anglo American, SRK Consulting, and his involvement with various organisations like the South African National Institute for Rock Engineering (SANIRE) and the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM).

He discusses the importance of SAIMM in creating a platform for professionals to…

In this episode, Dr Elmar Muller, Executive Manager: Hydrometallurgy at Mintek, talks to host Zelmia Botha about Rare Earths and the global impact and sustainability thereof.

The key points they discuss include Rare Earth minerals being abundant but difficult to mine and extract, with low concentrations in ores (around 0.3%). They are essential for many modern technologies like electronics, renewable energy, defence systems, etc. Global consumption is around 200,000-300,000 tons per year. China currently dominates the production (97% in 2011). Other countries like the US, Australia, and…

In this episode, Simone Naicker, a mining influencer and speaker and Senior Metallurgical Engineer at Exxaro Resources, shares her insights on mentorship, personal branding 'My Tiara is a Hard Hat', and the role of young professionals in the mining industry.

Key points include: Mentorship providing developmental value by facilitating knowledge transfer and skills growth through guidance from experienced individuals. A connected economy involves collaboration across borders, industries, and demographics, enabled by digital connectivity.

Simone also discusses how organisations should…

In this episode, Dr Frank Crundwell (Founder of CM Solutions Metallurgical Consultancy and Laboratories) talks to host Nthati Monei on the topics of range versus specialisation and interdisciplinary approaches in the raw materials industry.

Dr. Crundwell is a chemical engineer with extensive experience in the mining and metallurgy industry. He shares his career journey, highlighting the importance of being well-versed in various disciplines and combining ideas from different fields to solve complex problems. Dr Crundwell emphasizes the need for curiosity, continuous learning, and developing…

Adapting sampling and blending methodologies to the changing environments.

In the mining industry, we're witnessing a transition towards sustainable mining practices and increasing emphasis on resource efficiency. In this episode, we explore how the sampling and blending methodologies can be adapted for the changing environments with Richard Minnitt, Chris Robben, Martin Lischka, and Terence Nkosi.

New Technologies in Pyrometallurgical Engineering.

Zelmia Botha is joined in the SAIMM The Crucible studio by Dr Johan Zietsman. Dr Zietsman has worked with a wide range of metals, holds a PhD in Pyrometallurgy, and is the CEO of Ex Mente. He speaks on the future of pyrometallurgy with the developments of Technology, highlighting the importance of failing. Failing early, failing cheaply, and failing well.

Advocating for women in mining - the good, the bad, and the reality.

Fatima Hayat joins Kabelo Rathobei in The SAIMM Crucible studio. Fatima is a Human Resource Manager at Glencore and Communications lead at WIMSA. She speaks on creating a diverse and inclusive mining industry.

Diversity and Inclusion in the minerals sector is an ongoing conversation. Nonkululeko Mabuza, as a woman in the mining industry, shares her experience and career journey. We hope that this episode will encourage young women to consider a career in the minerals sector.

In discussion with Professor Gordon Smith, we look at the Extra S in ESG. What is the extra S, and what does it stands for? What value does the additional S offer the mining and minerals industry?

Sustainability of business is believed to be reliant on the pillars of ESG compliance, Environmental, Social and Governance. In conversation with Professor Gordon Smith, we look at the additional S in ESG. Understanding the impact of ESG for companies and investigating how the mining and minerals industry can work alongside communities to overcome challenges.

Steve Sackett, Director of SA Perspectives, joins Zelmia Botha in studio to discuss the impacts of infrastructure on Africa's copper production.

In this episode, Zelmia Botha is joined by Freda Gordon, Director at Acuity Commodities, to talk about infrastructure and how it impacts Africa's copper production.

Melanie Walker, anchor of The Reading Room, is in conversation with Dr Ian Robinson about his book The Fall of a Giant which looks at the history of the South African mining industry.

What is happening in the world of mining? Has the Giant fallen?

Join the present and past presidents of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) as they discuss the importance of joining professional bodies and accredited institutes.

Discover why SAIMM should be your first choice, offering collaborative platforms and industry expert networks for constructive solutions and industry-standard protection. Unleash the potential of being part f this influential network and shape the future of mining and metallurgy.

Tune in to explore the transformative power of SAIMM and the opportunities it provides for professional growth and…

Back in 1886, gold was discovered in Johannesburg, but the ore became more pyritic, and mining slowed dramatically, since the gold could not be extracted with any of the then available chemical processes or technologies.

This crisis was averted, and the world's largest mining industry was saved when 14 chemists and metallurgists came together to solve the problem, collaboratively and innovatively. This was the birth of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

With a legacy of over 100 years in the industry, SAIMM remains committed to helping people connect with each other,…