The Crucible - Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM)
The Crucible is a podcast from the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) that features conversations with specialists in the minerals and metals sector. It offers listeners insight into key industry issues and global initiatives. With over 100 years of experience, SAIMM uses the show to discuss professional standards and developments affecting mining and metallurgy. Episodes aim to provide relevant information for informed decisions and to help influence policy in an uncertain future.
Episodes
30 years to Everest – Decisions, setbacks, and staying power | Dr Jeannette McGill
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 mattere
Presidents In Conversation with Gary Lane & Elias Matinde
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 n
Tackling Discrimination and Unconscious Bias in Hiring & Promotions
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
Tailings - how do we ensure we're doing it right?
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 stor
Beyond Compliance | Re-imagining the SAIMM Diversity and Inclusion Committee
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 wi
The Influence of the GISTM on South African Tailings Management and the SANS 10286
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 pro
SLO in Mining | Kabelo Rathobei and Alex Khumalo
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 e
Hydrometallurgy of the Future | Buhle Xakalshe and Jochen Petersen
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 th
South Africa and Carbon Tax | Erwee Lourens
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 t
SAMREC Code and its impact on the Minerals Industry | Nicole Wansbury and Ken Lomberg
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 Wansbur
Leading Beyond Boundaries | Mark Munroe, Prelisha Singh, and Nomsa Mbere
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 l
Mintek@90 | Roger Paul
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
Entrepreneurship and what it means to you | Tokyo Ndlela
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
Productivity in the Minerals Industry | Arjen de Bruin Part 02
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 prod
Productivity in the Minerals Industry | Arjen de Bruin Part 01
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 prod
Presidents in Conversation | William Joughin
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 Afr
Rare Earths: Global Impact and Sustainability | Elmar Muller
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, renew
The Value and Importance of Mentoring | Simone Naicker
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 exp
Range vs Specialisation: The Significance of Interdisciplinary Approaches | Dr Frank Crundwell
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 importanc
Sampling and Blending | Richard Minnitt, Chris Robben, Martin Lischka & Terence Nkosi
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 Nkos
Pyrometallurgy | Dr. Johan Zietsman
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 fail
Creating a diverse and inclusive mining industry | Fatima Hayat
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. Visit the SAIMM Website
Conquering a male dominated industry | Nonkululeko Mabuza
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. Visit the SAIMM Website
The extra S in ESGS | Gordon Smith
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 E
Infrastructure and how it impacts Africa's Copper production | Steve Sackett
Steve Sackett, Director of SA Perspectives, joins Zelmia Botha in studio to discuss the impacts of infrastructure on Africa's copper production. Visit the SAIMM Website
Infrastructure and how it impacts Africa's copper production | Freda Gordon
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. Visit the SAIMM Website
The Fall of a Giant by Dr Ian Robinson
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? Visit the SAIMM Website
Your path to professional excellence - Insights from SAIMM's Presidents
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 par
Welcome to The Crucible with SAIMM
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
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