DIMI WEBINAR - DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Introduction

In 2016, the SAIMM saw the need for the establishment of a committee to investigate the changing landscape of diversity and inclusion in the minerals industry. Another need was to drive initiatives that ensured that the requirements of its members and industry as a whole were being considered and taken into account.

It has not always been an easy road to follow, because the topic of diversity and inclusion means different things to different people and it could be as narrow or as broad as any grouping of people make it. The committee had to take a step back and identify what was achievable and realistic.

To this end it identified its terms of reference as follows:

• Actively explore ways that can encourage awareness on issues of diversity and inclusion in the minerals industry
• Engage with SAIMM members to encourage diversity and inclusion in SAIMM activities
• Serve as a forum for the discussion of specific issues facing diversity and inclusion in the minerals industry.

WEBINAR SERIES

As part of the drive to address some of the identified terms of references, the DIMI committee is planning a webinar series to coincide with Women’s Month in August 2020. With a theme of ‘Empowering the African minerals industry through diversity and inclusion’ we are hoping that this series of talks will not only serve to celebrate gender diversity during Women’s Month, but also to highlight the value of an inclusive and diverse workforce to the mining industry. We have an exciting line-up of speakers who will appeal to all audiences interested in and involved in strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in our industry. We would like to encourage our industry to openly discuss the many challenges that are faced. More importantly, we would like to ensure that participants learn about what various companies and entities are doing to promote an inclusive and diverse workforce that will bring better value to the mining industry.

We want to provide a platform to openly discuss and debate these topics, but to also provide a forum for sharing experiences.

The SAIMM is also excited to collaborate with Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) on this initiative. WiMSA has always played an active role in the minerals industry and is very active in mentoring and supporting women in the industry. WiMSA offers a strong network which is used to progress professional goals and career aspirations and continues to promote a diverse and inclusive workforce.

It is, therefore, fitting for the two organizations to collaborate on this webinar series.

Presenter

Mark Munroe, CE Impala Rustenburg

Mark Munroe is an accomplished mining engineer with in-depth knowledge of surface and underground gold and platinum mining and is currently Chief Executive of Impala Rustenburg.

In his career spanning some 30 odd years he has held the positions of miner to General Manager, EVP, COO and CEO of underground and opencast operations and capital projects covering various commodities, both locally and internationally.

Mark previously served on the board of the Mine Health and Safety Council of South Africa. He is a member of The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Association of Mine Managers South Africa and has advised the Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources on safety and other legislative matters since 2011. He holds a BTech Mining Engineering degree from the University of Pretoria and a BCom degree in economics from UNISA.

He currently leads 40 000 people at the Impala Rustenburg complex comprising 10 shafts and concentrating and smelting plants and in the last two years has spearheaded the turnaround of the operations that lead to 13 000 jobs being saved. His vision of the mining industry is to ensure that it becomes a people centered business, focusing on what is invested into people and not only what can be extracted out of them.

In order to propel the development of his people, he strongly drives the Care and Growth leadership model that aims to enhance the life experience of all Impala employees by ensuring it is a place they can grow, they can be safe, feel respected, valued and know they play a role in something far greater than just being at work.