ABSTRACT
South Africa is a country rich in social diversity with a deep legacy of poverty, inequality and injustice. In addition, it is also a country which has the largest deposits of mineral wealth in the form of precious metals and gemstones and a sizeable quantity of base metals and coal. And yet, the economics of the country remain strained with a continuously weakening currency, low investor attraction, contracting GDP and increasing inflation which result in a myriad of social and political turmoil.
What does this mean for PGM mining industry in South Africa.
BIOGRAPHY
I am a Metallurgical Chemist with 30 years of on-site Precious Metals Smelting, Base Metal Refining and Precious Metals Refining experience. I have worked on research projects to optimize processes, develop new process technologies to improve process efficiency and decrease costs.
My experience spans from laboratory methodology development to production management – covering all aspects of production planning, budget management, implementation of safety strategies, business improvement, research and development, and process optimization using Six Sigma.
I have occupied several technical and operational roles during my career but my role as Head of Technical for Smelting and Refining at Sibanye Stillwater, previously known as Lonmin, enabled me to be at the forefront of project development, capital project control, and research and implementation of breakthrough technology to strategic objectives in both the short and long term for the organization were achieved.
In 2020, I established aa Consulting organisation Solutions 4U, in which I have assisted both South African and International clients in establishing new precious metals technology processes as well as improving their current process, utilising my wealth of commodities exposure, metallurgical processing and operations management.
I have enhanced clients’ energy strategies and assessed opportunities in new processing technologies for the circular economy, and the energy transition pathway towards sustainability and net-zero.
I have also spent much time in disruptive technologies for Precious and Base Metals enabling both design and building of parts using 3D printing.