CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

SAIMM is proud to partner with Anglo American, Implats, Sibanye Stillwater and SRK Consulting with the goal of establishing and entrenching not only strategic relationships, but useful and uplifting networks of people and professionals.

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.

In this insightful two-part episode, SAIMM YPC Chairperson, Kondwani Banda sits down with Arjen de Bruin, CEO of OIM Consulting to dive deep into the world of Productivity in the Mining Industry.Arjen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, sharing insights and best practice that is transforming the mining sector. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about how productivity is evolving in the minerals industry, both episodes are packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.Tune in now! 
Part 1: https://iono.fm/e/1476647
Part 2: https://iono.fm/e/1476649

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