The SAIMM is thrilled to welcome Dr Elias Matinde as the new President of SAIMM for 2024/2025. Elias was born in rural Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, in 1978. He completed high school at Kwekwe High in 1997. Elias holds a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from Tohoku University in Japan, a Master of Business Administration and a BSc (Hons) Metallurgical Engineering (cum laude) from the University of Zimbabwe, and Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from the University of the Witwatersrand.

He is a Professional Engineer, a Fellow of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and is a Past Fellow (2017-2018) of the African Science Leadership Program.

At its Annual General Meeting which took place yesterday at the Country Club Johannesburg, the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) proudly announced Bernard Swanepoel, a distinguished leader in the mining industry, as the recipient of the prestigious Brigadier Stokes Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of mining.

The Brigadier Stokes Award was instituted by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in 1980 in honour of one of South Africa's most respected mining pioneers, Brigadier Stokes, to commemorate his outstanding and unique contribution to the South African mining industry. This award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the mining industry through their leadership, innovation, and dedication. Bernard Swanepoel, with his remarkable career spanning over three decades, embodies the spirit and excellence that this award represents.

18 July 1968 – 15 August 2024

You're invited to Link to Mike Valenta’s Farewell Memorial
Thursday, 05 September 2024
14:00 - 15:30 (SAST)

It is with deep sadness that we inform members and other stakeholder of the passing of Mike Valenta. Mike was a Fellow of SAIMM and joined the Institute on 21 October 1988. He served on numerous SAIMM committees over the years and his knowledge and expertise will be missed.

Mike had extensive expertise in metallurgy, covering planning and management of test work, beneficiation of various minerals, and modelling metallurgical Processes,

He provided consulting services for concentrator projects, conducted due diligence studies, and acted as a client representative on research projects for various minerals, 

He served as MMMA President for 2002-2003, 2021-2022, 2022-2024 and will be missed for his invaluable contribution to not only the Association but Mining Industry

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and colleagues during this difficult time.

Courtesy of the Mine Metallurgical Managers of South Africa (MMMA)

Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy(SAIMM) calls on its Members to converge for the re-launch of the SAIMM Pretoria Branch taking place on 25 July at Engineering 1, Exhibition Space at the University of Pretoria from 17:00 - 20:00. This event aims to cultivate and reignite Branch engagements and encourage knowledge sharing between professionals in Mining, Metallurgical and related fields.

Thursday, 22 August 2024 at 16:30,
at the Country Club Johannesburg, 1 Napier Road, Auckland Park

To join us click here

AGENDA

1. Welcome
2. Confirmation of minutes Obituaries
3. Obituaries

Financial and Administrative Matters

4. Annual financial report for the year ended 30 June 2024.
5. Declaration of election of the Office Bearers and Members of Council for the year 2024/2025.
6. Election of auditors and legal advisors for the year 2024/2025.
7. Corporate Partnerships

YPC Matters

8. Declaration of election of the Young Professionals Council for the year 2024/2025.
9. Outgoing YPC Chairperson Award.

Awards and Recognition

10. 50 Year Membership Award
11. Presentation of awards, medals, and certificates for Transactions published in the Journal.
12. Top Advertiser in the Journal.
13. Presentation of student prizes.
14. Brigadier Stokes Memorial Award

Presidential Matters

15. Outgoing Presidential Award.
16. Induction of President-E Matinde
17. Presidential address - Metallurgical slags: A drive to circularity and search for new research agenda

Closing Session

18. Vote of Thanks.

Since its launch in 2023, The Crucible Podcast has released a succession of compelling episodes, each hosted by industry experts and covering a wide array of topics.

Check out the latest episodes:

Range vs Specialisation and the Significance of Interdisciplinary Approaches, Especially in the Raw Materials Industry by Dr. Frank Crundwell.

The Value and Importance of Mentoring in a Connected Economy presented by Simone Naicker.

Access these insightful discussions on:

• Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dBTZtiqY
• SAIMM website: https://bit.ly/48Hqw8y

In July 2014 the SAIMM mining exhibition was opened at the Sci-bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg. The exhibition presents the opportunity to showcase the industry, provide information and encourage visitors to Sci-bono and learners to consider careers in the minerals industry.

It has been over 9 years since the official opening of the exhibition. The SAIMM is in conversation with the Sci-bono team regarding upgrading of the facility. Should you or your organisation be interested in supporting this project, through expertise or financial support, please contact communications@saimm.co.za or sam@saimm.co.za to pledge your support.

We look forward to your support in revitalizing the exhibition.

Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.
– Verna Myers

When I was a child and someone would ask me what I wanted to be in future, I could not answer their question. You see, I wanted to be a pilot and, in my country, women were not allowed to be pilots. As a teenager, I remember crying because I was born a girl and I would never have the chance to be a soccer player in our national team.

Yet, I was lucky to be one of the first female mining engineers to graduate 20 years after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. I had finally been ‘invited to the party’, but I still needed to fight for the opportunity to dance.

My journey as a female mining engineer was exciting but I have had to constantly stand up for my rights, position, and a fair income. I needed to prove that my ability is no different from that of any other mining engineer. I wanted to succeed, not only for myself but also for future female mining engineers.

For me the concept of Diversity and Inclusion is important for all people regardless of their gender, race, culture, religion, and age. They should be able to dream and be allowed the opportunity to follow it. No one should encounter prejudice or have to fight for their basic rights. Everyone should be equally heard, seen, and respected.

I believe, that every single one of us in the mining industry has the responsibility to make this happen. We need to strive for a diverse and inclusive working environment which will result in an industry that is more innovative and productive when it comes to the business of mining.

Zohreh Fakhraei
Principal Consultant: Mining