The way 10Leaders LeadingtheWayinthe Metal and Mining Sector, 2024 Greener Mining
Greener Mining
How the Industry is Adap ng to Environmental Challenges
How the Industry is Adap ng to Environmental Challenges
Decarbonizing Mining
Decarbonizing Mining
The Shi Toward Clean Energy Solu ons
The Shi Toward Clean Energy Solu ons
RalphShearing CEOGoldgroupMiningInc(GGA–TSX.V):
DrivingInnovationsforShapingtheMiningIndustry
"Mining is a business that has been around for thousands of years, but it's evolving faster than ever in terms of technology, safety, and environmental impact.” Editor’s Editor’s Mining Mavericks Making an Impact Themetalandminingindustryisundergoingatransformativeperiodasitfacesthedualpressure
ofmeetingglobaldemandforcriticalresourceswhileaddressingenvironmentaland sustainabilityconcerns.In2024,aselectgroupofleadersinthesectorsetthestandardfor progressandinnovation,makingboldstridestoreshapetheindustryforthefuture.
Theseleadersaredistinguishedbytheirabilitytoimplementcutting-edgetechnologies,improve operationalefficiencies,anddrivesustainability.Fromintegratingrenewableenergysourcesintomining operationstoadoptingelectrificationinminingfleets,theseindividualsandcompaniesareleadingefforts toreducethecarbonfootprintofanindustrytraditionallyseenasamajoremitter.Theyarealsofocused onexpandingtheuseofrecycledmaterials,enhancingwatermanagementpractices,anddeveloping moreefficientminingtechniquesthatlowerenvironmentalimpact.
Atthesametime,theseleadersarecommittedtoensuringsupplychaintransparency,ethicalsourcing, andadvancingcommunityengagementefforts.Theirfocusonimprovingrelationshipswithstakeholders, particularlyindigenouscommunitiesandlocalgovernments,setsanewstandardforcorporate responsibilityinmining.
Theseleadersunderstandthatthefutureofthesectorliesnotjustinresourceextraction,butin sustainabledevelopmentthatalignswithglobalsustainabilitygoals.Theircontributionsareatestament tothepowerofinnovation,andtheirvisionwillhelpguidetheindustryasitadaptstotheincreasing demandsofboththemarketandsociety Astheminingsectorfacesincreasingscrutiny,theseindividuals andcompaniesareprovingthatleadershiptodaymeansbalancingprogresswithresponsibilityforfuture generations.
PrestonBannister 16
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Jonathan Sanders
Integrated Mine Closure Planning
Methembeni Moyo Enhancing Legal Solutions for Mining Transactions Across Africa
Sevi Rich
Integrating Innovation and Sustainability for a Better Mining Future
Greener Mining How the Industry is Adap ng to Environmental Challenges
RalphShearing CEOGoldgroupMiningInc(GGA–TSX.V):
DrivingInnovationsforShapingtheMiningIndustry
David
Ryan Brown
James M.
Max Floyd
Tom
Dominique T.
Lusy Jameson
Brief Featuring Company BarendGrobbelaar Director
JonathanSanders MineClosurePractice Lead,Certified Environmental Practitioner(CEnvP)
KodyPenner Finance|Mining| IndigenousBusiness
MarcoAlencar HeadofBusiness Improvementand OperationalExcellence
MethembeniMoyo HeadofAfricaPractice
MohloanaMagwai GrowthManager| Strategy&Business Development
RalphShearing CEO
RobertCrayfourd PortfolioManager
GardaWorldInternational Garda.com
KlohnCrippenBerger klohn.com
NationsRoyalty nationsroyalty.ca
AlligatorEnergy alligatorenergy.com
NSDVLaw nsdv.co.za
ExxaroResources exxaro.com
GoldgroupMiningInc. goldgroupmining.com
Manulife|CQSInvestment Management cqs.com
BarendistheDirectorofGardaWorldInternational,aleading securityservicescompanythatoffersawiderangeofsecurity solutions.
Jonathanisanexperiencedenvironmentalprofessionalwith globalexpertiseinminingandhydroelectricsectors, specializinginrehabilitation,closureplanning,environmental assessments,andriskmanagement.
MarcoistheHeadofBusinessImprovementandOperational Excellence,deliveringoutstandingvaluethroughexploration successandresourcegrowthwhilesecuringcredible developmentpartnershipsandpathways.
MarcoistheHeadofBusinessImprovementandOperational Excellence,deliveringoutstandingvaluethroughexploration successandresourcegrowthwhilesecuringcredible developmentpartnershipsandpathways.
MethembeniisMulti-jurisdictionallawyerwithexperiencein ConstructionandEngineeringDisputeResolution(South Africa),andMiningRegulatoryandCompliance(Zimbabwe).
Mohloanaisanexperiencedprofessionalwithademonstrated historyofworkingacrossvariousindustriesandfunctions includingmining,managementconsultingandfinancial services.
RalphistheCEOofGoldgroupMiningInc,aCanadian-based goldproduction,developmentandexplorationcompanywitha significantupsideinaportfolioofprojectsinMexico,oneof theworld'sbestminingjurisdictions.
RobetisthePortfolioManagerofManulife|CQSInvestment Management,managingresearch-drivencreditstrategiesfor over20years,acrossmultiplemarketcycles.
SeviRich VicePresident, GlobalCoreAccounts
SoniaScarselli VicePresident
Worley worley.com
BHP bhp.com
SeviisaseasonedStrategy,Integration,andProjectsExecutive withmorethan20yearsofdiverseexperienceacrossresources, energy,mining,andprofessionalservicessectors.
Asanexpertinenvisioningthefutureandturningthosevisions intoreality,Soniaisredefiningthelandscapeofmining explorationthroughherworkcreatingBHPXplor
RalphShearing CEOGoldgroupMiningInc(GGA–TSX.V):
DrivingInnovationsforShapingtheMiningIndustry “Throughout his career, Ralph has gained extensive knowledge in mineral exploration, economic analysis of mineral deposits, public company management at senior executive levels, and all levels of corporate management and human relations.”
RalphShearing CEO
GoldgroupMining Inc.
Theminingindustryplaysanimportantroleinthe
globaleconomy,providingessentialrawmaterials fornumeroussectors,includingenergy,technology, andconstruction.Overtheyears,advancementsin geologicalscience,explorationtechniques,and sustainabilitypracticeshaveshapedtheindustry’sapproach toresourceextractionandenvironmentalresponsibility As companiesfacethedualchallengesofmeetingproduction targetsandensuringsustainableoperations,theimportance ofinnovativeleadershipandstrategicvisionhasneverbeen moreapparent.
RalphShearing,CEOandvisionaryleader,hasbeena drivingforceinshapingmodernminingpractices.Witha deepunderstandingofgeologyandminingoperations,he hasdemonstratedanabilitytosteerthecomplexitiesofthe sectorwhilemaintainingafocusonethicalpractices.His leadershipblendscollaborativedecision-makingwitha strongresolveduringcrises,ensuringbothteaminputand decisiveactionwhenneeded.Ralph'sapproachtoproblemsolving,combinedwithhisattentiontooperationaldetails, hasearnedhimareputationfornavigatinghisteamstoward success.
UnderRalph’sguidance,GoldgroupMiningInc.has prioritizedsustainableoperationsandinnovative explorationtechniques designed to outline additional resources to extend mine life Asapublicminingcompany, Goldgroupemphasizesshareholdercommunicationand environmentalresponsibility,fromrecycling decommissionedequipmenttoimplementingwater conservationpractices.Withafocusonenhancingmining output,profitability,andlong-termresourcemanagement, thecompanycontinuestoleadbyexampleinpromoting ethicallaborpracticesandcommunityengagement,all whilestrivingtomeetitsambitiousproductiongoals.
Let’s explore Ralph’s transformative leadership journey in the mining industry:
AShiftinAcademicFocus Startinguniversityinthelate1970s,Ralph’sinterestswere initiallyfocusedonmarinescience.However,heendedup withabachelor’sdegreeingeology.Duringhisfirstyearof university,hetookanelectivecourse,Geology101,and becamefascinatedwithplatetectonics.Thisinterestledhim totakeadditionalgeologicalcoursesthefollowing semester.Thereafter,heswitchedhismajortoGeology Sciences,obtainingaBachelorofSciencedegreemajoring inGeologyin1984.
“ Ralph's approach to problem-solving, combined with his attention to operational details, has earned him a reputation for steering his teams toward success. “ Aftergraduating,heworkedasafieldgeologistforamajor company,exploringbaseandpreciousmetalsaswellas coalexplorationinBritishColumbia,Yukon,Ontario, Quebec,andNovaScotia.Hisemploymentwiththe companyendedduringaneconomicdownturninthemid1980s,atwhichtimehestartedhisownbusinessasan explorationservicescompany.
In1987,he,alongwithPaulChung,aCo-founder, incorporatedandtookpublicLucaMiningCorp.,then namedSamarkandResourcesInc.Hespent36yearswith LucaMining(TSX-V:LUCA),whichisnowsuccessfully rampingupprofitableproductionofbothpreciousandbase metalsattheCampoMoradoandTahuehuetominesin Mexico.Intheearly1990s,heco-foundedandpartnered withadiamonddrillingservicescompanythatprovided coredrillingservicestoexplorationcompanies,largely HunterDicksoncompanies,wheretheircompanydrilled severallargeporphyrycopper/goldprojects.
InOctober2023,RalphjoinedGoldgroupMiningasChief ExecutiveOfficer.
Throughouthiscareer,hehasgainedextensiveknowledge inmineralexploration,economicanalysisofmineral deposits,publiccompanymanagementatseniorexecutive levels,andalllevelsofcorporatemanagementandhuman relations.
PromotingEthicalPracticesandIntegrity AstheCEO,Ralph’sprimarydutiesandresponsibilities:
Ÿ DevelopLong-TermStrategies:Focusoncreating shareholdervaluethroughcomprehensiveplanning.
Ÿ LeadDay-to-DayOperations:Directthemanagement teamtoensuresmoothandefficientbusinessoperations.
Ÿ ServeasChiefSpokesperson:Actastheprimary representativeoftheCorporationtoexternal stakeholders.
Ÿ MonitorPerformanceandDirection:Oversee operationalmetricsandstrategicinitiativestoalignwith corporategoals.
Ÿ IdentifyandManageRisks:Recognizeprincipalrisks andestablishrobustsystemsforeffectiverisk management.
Ÿ EstablishInternalControls:Developandensurethe implementationofastronginternalcontrolframework andmanagementinformationsystems.
Ÿ FacilitateCorporateTransactions:Leadeffortsin acquisitions,dispositions,andstrategicinvestmentsto enhancecorporategrowth.
Ÿ RegularBoardReporting:Providetimelyand comprehensiveupdatestotheBoardonperformance andstrategicinitiatives.
Ÿ FosterEthicalCorporateCulture:Promoteaworkplace environmentthatvaluesethicalpracticesand encouragesintegrityamongallemployees.
AdoptingTeamRecommendations RalphviewshismanagementstyleasamixofDemocratic andSituational.Helikestoheartheopinionsand recommendationsofteammembersandoftenadoptssuch recommendationsifheagreeswiththepremiseunder discussion.
Inacrisis,hetendstoactquickly,hopefullychoosingthe mostappropriatecourseofactionafteranalyzingavailable information.Hedoesnotaccepttheabsenceofasolutionto adifficultproblemandpusheshisteammemberstofindthe informationrequiredtodecidethebestcourseofaction.
EnhancingCorporateDevelopmentandWork Environment His35yearsofextensiveexperiencewithLucaMining coveredexploration,mineconstructionanddevelopment, miningoperations,andpubliccompanymanagementat seniorexecutivelevels.Thisexperiencehasprovided significantinsightintopubliccompanymanagement, mineralexploration,projectandminedevelopment,and mining.Asaresultofthisexperience,hefocusesattention onanynumberofimportantissuesrelatedtorunninga publicminingcompany
Shareholdercommunicationandmarketingarecriticalto runningapubliccompanyandarenecessarytomaintaina
healthymarketvalueandtohelpaccesscapital.Mining operationsrequirespecialattention,particularlywith respecttoequipmentavailabilitythatislargelydependent onequipmentmaintenanceandrenewal,aswellasensuring maximumefforttowardsimprovingminingoutputand profitability
Healsopaysparticularattentiontocorporatedevelopment andhumanrelationstofosterasgoodaworkenvironment aspossible.Finally,considerableattentionispaidto sustainabilityandtheenvironmentwithintheareasof operation.
ImportanceofBudgetAdherenceinProject Management Ralphbelievesthechallengeofoverseeingmultiple explorationandminingprojects,ensuringtheymeetboth operationalandfinancialgoals,isnotable,andaproject’s successisequallydependentonavailablefinancial resources.Explorationprojects,bytheirnature,require significantcapitalinvestment,andthefundsavailablemust bespentaswiselyaspossibletoensurethebestchanceof successforanyexploration,development,ormining project.
“ “ Ralph’s 35 years of extensive experience with Luca Mining covered exploration, mine construction and development, mining operations, and public company management at senior executive levels. Budgetsneedtobefollowedwithcareandrequirerigorous managementoversighttocompleteaprojectwithinbudget andontime.Theabilitytomeetthosegoalscanmakea significantimpactoninvestorsentimentandalloweasier accesstocapitalforexpansion.
Withadequatecapital,acompanycanretainmultiple experiencedmanagerstoeffectivelyoverseespecific projects.Itisimportantthatseniormanagementprovides properfinancialandtechnicaloversighttoensuresuccess.
RecyclingDecommissionedMiningEquipment Startingwithenvironmentalmanagementandsustainability, Goldgrouphasdevelopedcomprehensiveland rehabilitationplanstorestoreecosystemspost-mining.Best practicesarefollowedforminingwasterockdisposal. Decommissionedminingequipmentisrecycledwhere possiblethroughsteelscrapesales,andGoldgroup maintainsacactusnurserywherematureplantsareplanted inrecoveredareas.
Areastobeimpactedhavecactusandothersurvival vegetationremovedandtransplantedinareasunder recovery Waterconservationisimportant,especiallyat Goldgroup’sCerroPrietomine,locatedintheSonora desert,wherewaterisrecycledasmuchaspossible. Investigationofarenewableenergysource,solarpower electricalenergygeneration,isunderwayinhopesof reducingrelianceongovernmentpowergridsupply.
Goldgroupactivelyengageswithlocalcommunitiesand stakeholderstounderstandtheirconcernsandneedsand assistwhereverpossible.Ethicallaborpracticesare followed,andequalopportunityismandatedwithinall departments,withthepercentageoffemaleemployees steadilyincreasing.TheMexicanminingindustryoffers above-average,well-paidjobs,andGoldgroupensuresfair wagestoallandmaintainssafeworkingconditionsforall employees.
KeyInsightsforAspiringMiningExecutives Hisadvicetoaspiringexecutivesintheminingindustry whowishtoleadsuccessfulexplorationanddevelopment companiesis:
Ÿ Visitasmanyminesaspossibleandasknumerous questionsofminemanagement.Knowingand understandingmineraldepositsandhowminesworkin operationiscriticaltosuccess.
Ÿ Knowandunderstandregulatoryrequirementssuchas 43-101professionalguidelinesforreportingonmineral projects,aswellassecuritiesregulationforthe jurisdictionofyourpubliccompanylisting.
Ÿ Beasfamiliaraspossiblewithgovernmentmininglaw forthejurisdictionofyourprojectandretain experiencedlegaladvisors.
Ÿ Developcontactswithinvestmentprofessionalssuchas stockbrokers,mininganalysts,investmentbankers,etc.
Ÿ Finally,buildaveryprofessionalandexperiencedteam ofminingprofessionalsandbeveryselectivewith projectacquisition,asonlythebestmineralexploration projectsattractthenecessarycapitaltobecomemines. Makesureyourprojectcanattractthenecessary investment,asmineralexplorationandmine developmentrequiresignificanthigh-riskcapital.
ExplorationPlantoExtendMineLife Ralph’sprimarygoalforGoldgroupMining(TSX-V:GGA) istoreturnthecompanytoprofitability.Goldgrouphas developedplansandimplementedthefirstplanto85% completiontodoubletheminingrateto4,500metrictons perday,whichisprojectedtoincreasegoldproduction towards25,000ouncesannually
Thesecondplan,whichrequiresfunding,istoinitiatea reprocessingofheapleachpadsthatisexpectedtoadd another6,000ouncesofgoldproductionannuallyfor6-7 years.
Finally,thethirdplanistoinitiateacomprehensive explorationplantoexploreanddrilltargetsontheproperty contiguoustoandonstrikewiththemainminingareas. Theseveryprospectivetargetshaveneverbeenexploredby modernexplorationmethods.
Itisexpectedthatsuccessfulexplorationwillbeachievedto addadditionalresourcestoextendthelifeofthemine. Somepreliminarysurfaceexplorationhasrecentlybeen conductedintheseareaswithhighlyencouragingresults. ReadersareencouragedtovisitGoldgroup’swebsite ( )andrecentnewsreleasestolearn goldgroupmining.com more.
JonathanSanders MineClosurePracticeLead, CertifiedEnvironmental Practitioner(CEnvP) KlohnCrippenBerger (KCB)
Jonathan Sanders Integrated Mine Closure Planning Theminingindustryisevolvingtobetteraddress
communityandsocietalissuesbyemphasizing values-basedbehaviorsandresponsibleclosure planning,ensuringsocialtrustandthesustainablesupplyof rawmaterials.
Integratedmineclosureisadynamicanditerativeprocess thatconsidersenvironmental,social,andeconomicfactors fromanearlystageofminedevelopmentandthroughout thelifeofaminingasset.Fundamentaltothisprocessisthe needtointegrateclosurestrategyanddesignwithinthecore business,reducinglifecyclecosts,improvingrisk management,andenhancingindustryreputation.
Mineclosureplannerscoordinateinterdisciplinaryteamsto addressvariousaspectsofclosure,includinglanduse planning,riskmanagementandsupportingtechnical studies,socialperformance,engineeringdesign,andclosure provisioncosting.Theprofession’sgrowingimportanceis highlightedbythe2024inclusionof‘closureplanner’inthe AustralianandNewZealandStandardClassificationof Occupations(ANZSCO).
JonathanSanders,aCertifiedEnvironmental Practitioner(CEnvP)andMineClosurePracticeLead, hasemergedasaprominentfigureinthisadvancingfieldof mineclosureplanning.Hisleadershipisdefinedbyhis abilitytocultivatecollaborationacrossmultidisciplinary teamsandhiscommitmenttoadaptivedecision-making. Jonathanprioritizesflexibilityandencouragesopennessto newideas,ensuringthatclosurestrategiesmeet environmentalstandardsandrespectcommunityand culturalvalues.Hisforward-thinkingapproachhas positionedhimasaleaderwhoisshapingthefutureof mineclosure,withafocusonaligningindustrypractices withbroadersustainabilitygoals.
KlohnCrippenBerger(KCB),aleaderinengineering, geoscience,andenvironmentalconsulting,playsan importantroleinthistransformation.Withastrong commitmenttodeliveringsustainablesolutions,KCBhas becomeakeyplayerinhelpingminingcompaniesmanage theirclosureprojectseffectively,particularlyinthefieldsof finallandformdesign,tailings/minewaste,andwater stewardship.Byfocusingoninnovationandintegrating communityengagement,thecompanysupportsthe developmentoflong-term,resilientstrategiesforland rehabilitationandpost-mininguse.KCB’sexpertise, combinedwithJonathan'sguidance,hasenabledthe companytosetnewstandardsinmineclosureand environmentalmanagement.
Let’s explore Jonathan’s adaptive leadership in the mining industry:
ExpandingExpertiseinMiningandInfrastructure Projects JonathanisaMineClosurePracticeLeadwithKlohn CrippenBerger(KCB)andhasover17yearsofexperience inthemetalsandmining,aswellashydropowerindustries. Throughouthiscareer,hehasmanagednumerousclosure projects,includingvisitingglobalminingassetsinPeru, Canada,Mexico,theU.S.,Indonesia,Australia,andPapua NewGuinea.
Throughouthiscareer,severalkeymilestoneshaveshaped hisleadershiptowhereitisnow.Allkeymilestoneshave involvedamazingmentorsandexperiences.Startingasan EnvironmentalOfficeratPortWaratahCoalServices expansion,hegainedfoundationalexperiencein environmentalmanagementintheconstructionindustry
HistransitiontoXstrata’sNorthQueenslandOperations (MountIsaMinesandErnestHenryMine)markeda turningpoint,wherehetookonroleswithincreasing intricacyandresponsibility,includingSenior EnvironmentalAdvisor.Here,heworkedcloselywithmine operations,ledinterdisciplinaryteamsandmanaged projectsfocusedonvariousmineclosures,compliance,and environmentalrisk-managementinitiatives.
MovingfromAustraliaandtransitioningfromamining companytojoinKlohnCrippenBerger(KCB)inCanadaas aSeniorEnvironmentalProfessionalandProject/Study ManagerwasanothershiftinJonathan’scareer Thisrole expandedhisexperienceinminingwithinadifferentsocial andbiophysicalenvironment.WorkinginCanadaalso providedanopportunitytotransferhisexperienceinto InfrastructureandvariousHydroelectricDamOwner’s engineerenvironmentalmanagementsupportroles.
Hehasalsosupportedtheimprovementofindustry competencybycontributingtotheClosurePlanning PractitionersAssociation(CPPA),facilitatingthe AustralasianInstituteofMiningandMetallurgy(AusIMM) integratedclosureplanningcourse,anddevelopingcontent tosupportGlencore’sTailingsManagerAcademy.
AligningWorkwithSustainableandClimate-Resilient Goals InhisroleasMineClosurePracticeLeadatKlohnCrippen BergerLtd.,Jonathanmanagesinterdisciplinarymine closureprojects,encompassingstrategy,design,and implementation.
Someofthemorecommontasksincludeproject managementandthecoordinationofawiderangeof subjectmatterexperts,preparingclosureplansandcost estimationbasisofestimates,strategicclosureadviceand planning(includingdevelopingvisionandfuturelanduse strategyinformedbycommunityandFirstNationvalues), preparationofmineclosureandexecutionplans, developingandimplementingrehabilitationplans, stakeholderengagement,conductingclosurerisk assessments,andhelpingmapoutthetransitiontopostmininglanduse,includingpreparingobjectives,success criteria,andmonitoring/maintenanceprograms.Hisrole alsoinvolvesmentoringstaffwithinKCBandvarious industrygroups,whichcontributestoboththecompanyand theindustry
Thescopeofbatterylimitsdependsonthecapabilityand resourcesofaclientandthenatureoftheproject.Agreat dealofwhathedoesisproblem-solvingandthefactthatno twoprojectsareeverthesameleadstocontinuallearning andtheadditionoffreshskills.Socialandstakeholder engagementthroughoutthisprocessisanotherkeyelement ofbeingaclosurepractitioner.
Closureplanninghasbeenveryclearlyacknowledged acrosstheindustryasadisciplinethatisintegraltothe wholelifespanofaminingarea.Asastrategicmineclosure planningconsultant,eachscopeofworkhetakesonaligns withKCB’sCharterandMissiontodeliversustainable solutionsforthenaturalandbuiltenvironment,recognizing theirroleinbuildingasustainable,climate-resilientfuture.
PrioritizingApproachabilityandFlexibilityinDecisionMaking Hisleadershipstyleisadaptiveandinspirational, motivatingtheteamaroundasharedvision.Heprioritizes beingapproachableandflexibleindecision-making.Itis crucialtochallengeconfirmationbias,remainopentonew ideas,andadapttheapproachasneeded.
Hemaintainsacleardistinctionbetween‘leadership’and ‘management’:leadingpeoplewhilemanagingthings(i.e.,
assets,projects,andsystems).Investingtimeupfrontwith peopletounderstandandrelatetodifferentperspectivesand buildinglong-termtrustbyconsistentlyfollowingthrough oncommitmentsalwayspaysoff.
StrongProjectManagementandLeadershipSkills Lookingback,theseareafewofthemoreimportant attributesthathavehelpedJonathansucceedinthissector:
Ÿ CuriosityandHumility:Understandingone’s professionalcompetencylevelandalwayslookingfor opportunitiestolearniscrucial.Stayingcurious,asany exposureandexperiencecanbevaluableandmaybe usefulinthefuture.
Ÿ RiskAssessmentandAlternativesAssessment: Understandingrisk/opportunityassessmentand structuredalternativesanddecisionanalysisrisksare crucialinclosureplanning.Whileonemaynotalways havetheanswers,placingtechnicalelementswithina structuredframeworkbreaksdowninformationsilos andalignsdecision-makersonobjectives,uncertainties, andforwardworks.
Ÿ ProjectManagementandLeadership:Strongproject managementskillsensurelarge-scaleprojectsmeet clientexpectationsregardingquality,schedule,andcost. Effectiveleadershipandcommunicationareessential forbuildingcohesiveteamsthatachieveprojectgoals.
Ÿ LandUse,Communities,andFirstNations:Itis essentialtounderstandandincorporateintostrategythe valuedriversforFirstNationsandlocalcommunities andhowbothtemporaryminingandfuturelanduse
“ “ Jonathan’s leadership is defined by his ability to cultivate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and his commitment to adaptive decision-making. impactthesevalues,particularlyconcerningland,air, andwater.‘Naturepositive’'andbiodiversity commitmentsallfeedintothosevalues.Misalignment betweenstakeholderengagementexpectations,closure strategy,mineplans,andlandformdesignbasisare commonissues.
EncouragingTeamParticipationinGoal-Setting Jonathanbelievesaligningtherightpeopleandbusiness planswiththe‘why’(i.e.,commonmission/visionandcore values)isimportant.Heprioritizesclearandconsistent communicationaroundthis,asoftentechnicalpeoplecan strayfromthebiggerpicture.
Regularcheck-inshelpkeepeveryoneinformedaboutthe company’sobjectivesandhowprojectscontributetothese goals.Healsoencouragesteammemberstoparticipatein goal-settingprocesses,whichcultivatesasenseof ownershipandcommitment.
Additionally,hefocusesonprofessionaldevelopment, providingopportunitiesforteammemberstoenhancetheir skillsandadvancetheircareers.
PlanningforProfessionalCompetencyProgression Tostayupdatedonindustrytrendsandtechnological advancements,hegetsinvolvedandhasaplantoprogress hisprofessionalcompetency.Jonathanisanactivemember ofprofessionalassociationslikeAUSIMM,CPPA,andthe EnvironmentInstituteofAustraliaandNewZealand (EIANZ)andengagesincontinuouslearningthrough numerouscoursesandworkshops.
Heregularlyattendsandpresentsatindustryconferences, suchastheInternationalMineClosureConference,Lifeof MineConference,andTailingsandMineWaste,wherehe canlearnaboutthelatestdevelopmentsandnetworkwith otherprofessionals.
DevelopingaStrongTechnicalFoundation Foraspiringleadersinthemetalandminingindustry, Jonathanoffersthefollowingadvice:
Ÿ AdaptandEmbraceOpportunities:Theindustryis frequentlyprogressing.Staycuriousandcommittedto learningnewskillsandknowledge.Sayyesto opportunitiesthatareoutsideyourcomfortzonebut alignwithyourcorevalues.Getouttoaremoteorrural
partoftheworld.Findopportunitiestoworkonprojects withFirstNations,asthebenefitsareendless.
Ÿ DevelopaStrongTechnicalFoundation: Understandingthetechnicalaspectsoftheindustryis crucial.Investtimeinlearningandgaininghands-on experience.
Ÿ BuildStrongRelationships:Networkingwithpeers, mentors,andstakeholderscanopendoorsandprovide valuableinsights.Theindustryisgettingsmallerwith socialmedia,andtherefore,characterandvaluesmatter, whichwillfollowovertime.
Ÿ PrioritizeSafetyandSustainability:Thesearenonnegotiables.Everyonewantstogohomesafelyand leaveapositiveimpact.Leadingwithafocusonsafety andenvironmentalresponsibilityearnsrespectandtrust.
MentoringandShapingtheNextGenerationof IndustryLeaders AccordingtoJonathan,criticalmineralsgeneratedby industrywillcontinuetobeinhighdemandduetothe accelerationofanenergytransition.Stakeholder expectationsandpublicdisclosurerequirementsarerising, focusingonimprovedtailingsmanagement,closurecosting, andESGcommitments,includingsocialperformance, climatechange,andnature-positiveinitiatives.
Hebelievesexperiencedmineclosureplannerswillplayan evenmoreimportantroleintheindustry’sfuture,witha growingneedforprofessionalseitheremployeddirectly withinminingcompaniesorinconsultancycapacities. Integratedclosureplanningleadstoreducedcosts,better riskmanagement,andenhancedtrustandreputationforthe industry.
Jonathan’sfuturegoalsandaspirationswithintheindustry includecontinuingtoleadinnovativeandimpactfulmine closureoutcomes.Heaimstofurtherdevelopsustainable closurepracticesthatcanbeadoptedglobally,contributing totheindustry’soverallreputation.
Additionally,heaspirestotakeonmorestrategicleadership roles,wherehecaninfluenceindustrypolicyandshapethe nextgenerationofleaders.Heispassionateabout mentoringandbelievesintheimportanceofpassingon knowledgeandnurturingnewtalenttoshapethefutureof theindustry.
How the Industry is Adapting to Environmental Challenges Theminingindustry,traditionallyassociatedwith
resourceextractionandenvironmentaldegradation, isundergoingasignificanttransformationasit respondstoincreasingenvironmentalpressures.Aspublic concernaboutenvironmentalsustainabilityintensifiesand regulationsbecomestricter,miningcompaniesare rethinkingtheiroperations,adoptingnewtechnologies,and integratingsustainablepracticesintotheirbusinessmodels. Thisshift,whiledemanding,isalsocreatingopportunities forinnovationandlong-termviabilityinthesector
RegulatoryPressuresandPublicExpectations Overthepastfewdecades,therehasbeengrowing awarenessoftheenvironmentalimpactofmining operations.Thishasbeendrivenbybothstricterregulations andanincreasingpublicdemandforenvironmentally responsiblepractices.Governmentsworldwideare implementingmorerigorousstandardsforenvironmental protection,requiringcompaniestoreducetheircarbon footprints,improvewastemanagementpractices,and ensuretherehabilitationofminedland.
Inadditiontoregulatoryframeworks,publicandinvestor expectationsarealsoshapingtheindustry.Stakeholders, includingconsumers,investors,andNGOs,areincreasingly holdingminingcompaniesaccountablefortheir environmentalperformance.Companiesthatfailtomeet sustainabilitystandardsriskfacingreputationaldamage, lowerinvestorconfidence,andevenlegalconsequences.As aresult,miningfirmsareprioritizingsustainablepractices notjustasamatterofcompliance,butasastrategic businessdecision.
SustainableMiningPractices Tomeetthesedemands,theminingindustryhasadopted severalsustainablepracticesaimedatreducing environmentalharmandimprovingresourceefficiency
Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Oneofthemostsignificantenvironmentalimpactsof miningisitsenergyconsumption,particularlyinoperations thatrelyonfossilfuelsforpower.Miningcompaniesare focusingonimprovingenergyefficiencyandreducing greenhousegasemissionsbytransitioningtorenewable energysources.Solar,wind,andhydroelectricpowerare increasinglybeingintegratedintominingoperations, especiallyinremoteareaswheretraditionalpowersources arelimitedorcostly.
Inadditiontorenewableenergy,companiesarealso investinginenergy-efficienttechnologies,suchaselectric trucksandmachinery,whicharedesignedtoreducefuel consumptionandminimizeemissions.Bymakingthese investments,miningfirmsnotonlycomplywith environmentalregulationsbutalsobenefitfromlower operationalcostsinthelongrun.
Water Conservation and Management Waterusageisanotherareawhereminingoperationshavea significantenvironmentalimpact.Extractingandprocessing mineralsoftenrequireslargevolumesofwater,whichcan leadtowaterscarcityinnearbycommunitiesand ecosystems.Tomitigatethis,miningcompaniesare adoptingbetterwatermanagementpractices,including recyclingandreusingwaterintheiroperations. Technologieslikereverseosmosisanddesalinationare beingusedtotreatandrecyclewater,reducingthedemand forfreshwaterandminimizingtheenvironmentalimpactof waterextraction.
Insomeregions,wherewaterresourcesareparticularly scarce,miningoperationsarefocusingonclosed-loop systems,wherewateriscontinuouslyreusedandnever releasedintothesurroundingenvironment.Thisapproach notonlyconserveswaterbutalsoreducestheriskof contaminationfromtailingsandotherminingby-products.
Waste Management and Tailings Storage Tailings,theby-productsofmining,areoneofthemost pressingenvironmentalissuesfacingtheindustry.Improper
disposaloftailingscanleadtosoilandwater contamination,aswellaslong-termenvironmentaldamage. Inresponse,theminingsectorisadoptingsafertailings managementtechniques,suchasdrystacking,which involvesdewateringtailingsandstoringtheminasolid form,reducingtheriskofleakageorseepage.
Additionally,miningcompaniesareexploringmethodsfor reducingthevolumeofwastegeneratedbytheiroperations. Thisincludesimprovingtheefficiencyofextraction processestominimizetheamountofmaterialthatmustbe processedordiscarded,aswellasrecyclingandreusing wastematerialswherepossible.Somecompaniesareeven turningtailingsintovaluableproducts,suchasconstruction materials,tofurtherreducetheirenvironmentalfootprint.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection Miningoperationscandisruptlocalecosystems,leadingto habitatdestructionandlossofbiodiversity.However,many companiesarenowprioritizingenvironmentalconservation byinvestinginbiodiversityprotectionandrehabilitation programs.Thisincludesconductingcomprehensive environmentalimpactassessments(EIAs)beforebeginning newprojectsandimplementingstrategiestominimize habitatdestruction.
Restorationofminedlandisanotherimportantaspectof sustainablemining.Companiesareincreasinglyfocusingon landreclamation,whichinvolvesrestoringecosystemsto theirnaturalstateortransformingthemintonew, sustainablelandscapes.Thismayincludereplantingnative vegetation,creatingwetlandstofilterwater,andenhancing localwildlifehabitats.Byrestoringminedland,companies canreducetheirenvironmentalimpactandcontributetothe healthofsurroundingecosystems.
A Greener Future for Mining Theminingindustry’sresponsetoenvironmentalpressures reflectsabroadershifttowardssustainabilityand responsibleresourcemanagement.Whilethechallenges remainsignificant,thesectorismakingmeaningful progressinminimizingitsenvironmentalfootprint. Throughenergyefficiency,wastemanagement,biodiversity protection,andtechnologicalinnovation,miningcompanies areprovingthatitispossibletobalanceeconomicgrowth withenvironmentalresponsibility
Moyo
HeadofAfricaPractice
NSDVLaw
Methembeni
Enhancing Legal Solu ons for Mining Transac ons Across Africa ThelegalservicesindustryacrossAfricais
expandingtomeetthegrowingneedsofsectors suchasmining,energy,andinfrastructure development.AsAfricaneconomiesdiversify,thedemand forspecializedlegalexpertisehasrisen,especiallyin countriesrichinnaturalresources.Theminingand constructionsectorsfaceintricateregulatoryframeworks, requiringlawyerswhocanovercomeintricatelegal, environmental,andsocialissues.Withincreasing internationalinterestinAfrica’scriticalminerals,legal professionalsarenowatthecoreofshapingthecontinent’s economicfuture,adaptingtothegrowingbusiness environmentandregulatoryrequirements.
MethembeniMoyo,theHeadofAfricaPractice,isakey figureinshapingthislegalspace.Hisleadingapproachis markedbyastrongfocusonbuildingrelationshipsanda deepunderstandingofthemultifacetedlegalchallenges facedbyclientsacrossvariousAfricanjurisdictions. Methembeni’sapproachcombineslegalexpertisewith personalexperienceintheminingsector,allowinghimto viewmattersfromhisclients'perspectives.Hehas successfullypositionedhimselfasamulti-jurisdictional lawyer,developinghisabilitytoserveclientsinSouthern Africaandbeyond.Hisleadershipprioritizeshuman connections,ensuringthatsolutionsarelegallysoundand practicallyalignedwithclients'goals.
NSDVLaw,afirmspecializinginmining,environmental, construction,andenergylaw,haspositioneditselfasa prominentplayerinAfrica’slegalsector Thefirm'sbroad expertiseandreachacrossvariousAfricancountriesallowit tooffercomprehensivelegalservicestailoredtotheneeds ofindustriessuchasminingandinfrastructure.Byadvising clientsonregulatorycompliance,disputeresolution,and businesstransactions,NSDVsupportsthegrowthand developmentofsignificantsectorsinAfrica.Asdemandfor legalservicescontinuestoincrease,thefirmremainsatthe topofadvisingondomesticandcross-borderissues.
Let’s explore Methembeni's inventive leadership journey in Africa’s legal sector:
ExpandingLegalServicesAcrossAfrica DuringMethembeni’sgapyearin2007,heandhisfather triedtheirhandatsmall-scalegoldmining.Hegainedfirsthandexperienceinapplyingforaprospectingrightanda blockofgoldclaims.Littledidheknowthatadecadelater, hewouldbecomeamininglawyer.
Thatseasontaughthimvaluablelessonsabouttherisksand potentialrewardsintheminingsector.Hecherishesthose lessonsastheyhelphimunderstandclients’perspectives andpressuresonaslightlymorepersonallevel.
AlthoughhestudiedlawinSouthAfrica,hewasadmitted topracticelawinhishomecountry,Zimbabwe.After practicinglawinZimbabweforaboutthreeyears,he movedtoliveandworkinSouthAfricain2019.
Methembeni’s approach combines legal exper se with personal experience in the mining sector, allowing him to view ma ers from his clients' perspec ves.
HavingpracticedmininglawintwomajorSouthernAfrican jurisdictions,hestartedtoconsiderhimselfamultijurisdictionallawyerwhocouldassistclientsthroughout SouthernAfrica.JoiningNSDV,aspecialistmining, environmental,construction,andenergylawfirm,gavehim theplatformtocontinuetogrowhisserviceofferingto otherAfricanjurisdictions.
NSDVhasnowadvisedclientsinvariousmining transactions,regulatoryandcompliance,anddispute
resolutionmattersinjurisdictionssuchasAngola, Botswana,theDRC,Eswatini,Mali,Mozambique,South Africa,Zambia,andZimbabwe.
LeadingBusinessDevelopmentinAfrica Wheneverheisataconferenceornetworkingevent,he introduceshimselfasalawyerbydayandasalesmanby nightbecausethat’sbasicallywhathedoes.
Heisaseniorminingandconstructionlawyer.InSouth Africa,hespecializesinfront-endandback-end constructionlaw.Heassistsclientswithdraftingand negotiatingcomplexconstructioncontracts,whether bespokeorbasedonstandardformssuchastheFIDICand NECsuiteofcontracts.Healsorepresentsclientsin adjudications,arbitrations,andHighCourtdispute resolutionmattersarisingfromabroadrangeof constructionandcommercialdisputes.
OntheAfricancontinent,heprimarilyassistsclientswith variousminingregulatoryandcompliancematters, includingtheacquisitionofexploration/prospectingrights, theacquisitionandmaintenanceofminingrights, environmentalandESGcompliance,andassistingclients withmarketingandtradinginminerals.Onthebusiness developmentfront,heheadsNSDV’sAfricapractice,and hisroleistoassistthefirmanditsclientsindoingbusiness ontheAfricancontinent.
BalancingStakeholderNeedsinMining AccordingtoMethembeni,theminingandmetalssectoris ahighlyregulatedsector.InSouthernAfrica,itisthemost importantsectorandaccountsformostoftheregion’s exports.Theminingandmetalssectorisunderconstant scrutinybyvariousstakeholderssuchasgovernment authorities,communities,andtradeunions,andrecently, withthenewscrambleforAfrica’scriticalminerals,even internationaldiplomaticmissionshavepaidcloseattention totheminingandmetalssector.Asaresult,NSDVLaw’s miningclientsoperateinanenvironmentwheretheyare frequentlychallengedtojugglecompetingneedsfroma broadspectrumofstakeholders.
Therefore,toprovidehigh-impactandsustainablevalueto clientsintheminingandmetalssector,humanrelationships arevitalandessentialforleadingateaminthisindustry. Methembeni’sleadershipstyleplacesapremiumon relationships.
Althoughthereisalwaysaplaceforformallegaldrafting (especiallyinformallegalprocessessuchastransactions anddisputes),nothingbeatsaphonecalloraface-to-face meeting.Thathumaninteractioncanbethedifference makerthathelpsgetbuy-infromteammembers,getsa miningrightapplicationthathasbeenstallingapproved,or helpsprotectaclientfrombeingslappedwithapunitive miningroyalty.
Inanutshell,heisafirmbelieverinNSDVLaw’s“people over paper”mantra.
AdaptingtoVariedMiningEnvironments Beingmulti-culturalandaconsummatenetworkerhas helpedMethembenisucceedintheminingsector.Hedid notintentionallysetouttobeamulti-jurisdictionallawyer. However,oncehehadbeenexposedtoworkinginmore thanoneAfricanjurisdiction,heneverlookedback.
Henowintentionallyseekstobuildnetworksand relationshipswithpeoplefromdifferentcountriesandfrom diversebackgrounds.Itissaidthatminersgowherethe rocksare,soasamininglawyer,oneneedstobewillingto gowherevertheminersgo.Oneneedstobeathomeina ruralminingcommunityonedayandthenextdayequally comfortableproposingaconcisetransitionmineralspolicy toregulators.
AligningTeamwithLong-TermVision InMethembeni’sview,NSDVisverybigon communication.Nooneworksinsilos,andthevarious teamsliterallyworkinanopen-planoffice.Externallyto clients,thefirmpridesitselfonbeingrelationalandeasily accessible.
Internally,thefirmalsotriestoliveoutthoseprinciplesof beingrelationalandeasilyaccessible.Thatway,crosspollinationofideashappensrapidlyandorganically, ensuringthattheteamisalignedwiththecompany’slongtermgoalsandvision.
StayingUpdatedonIndustryTrends NSDV’steamisalwaysatthecoalfaceofimportant discussionsthatshapeindustrypoliciesandperspectives. Beingregularlyinvitedtoattendandspeakatmining conferencesorspearheadindustrysubmissionstoregulators onproposedlegislativeorpolicychangeshelpsthefirm
stayupdatedonindustrytrendsandtechnological advancements.
StrategiesforBecomingaMiningSectorLeader Methembeni’sadvicetoaspiringleadersinthemetaland miningindustryistorememberthatthekeytobeingan “unlocked”(astheGenZswouldsay)mininglawyeristo createone’sownpipelineofwork.Inahighlycompetitive legalservicesmarketandservingclientsinachallenging sector,onesimplycannotaffordtositbackandexpectwork tocometothem.
Methembenibelievesthattobealeaderinthemetaland miningindustry,oneneedstobeable,forexample,tolink clientswithamazingminingprospectstopeoplewiththe rightcapitalorlinkaminingoperationthatisstruggling withgradestosomeonewhohastheperfectoresortingand processingtechnologytotakethedeposittothenextlevel; oroneneedstobeabletoconsolidateprivatesectorviews onalegislativechangethatwillhelpthesectorreachitsfull potentialandpresentittoregulatorsinarespectfulbut impactfulway
Again,inalltheseexamplesofstrategiesforbecominga miningsectorleader,buildingrelationshipsiskey.Noneof thesestrategiesforbecomingasectorleaderarepossible withoutbuildinglastingrelationshipsbasedontrust.
GrowthOpportunitiesinCriticalandTransition Minerals MethembenibelievesitisnosecretthattheglobalWestand theEastarestuckinageopoliticaltug-of-war.Thishas madeAfrica’sminerals,particularlythecriticalminerals neededforthegreenenergytransitionanddefense industries,highlysoughtafter
NSDVseesthesegeopoliticaldevelopmentsasa massivegrowthopportunity.Thereisanewscramble forAfrica’scriticalandtransitionminerals,and NSDVwantstobeattheforefrontofadvising clientson:
Ÿ Steeringrapidlychanginglawsas governmentstrytokeepupwiththe demandandregulatetheminingof mineralsthat,untiladecadeorsoago, werenotindemand.
Ÿ Theintegrationofcleanenergyand
miningoperationsnotonlyasa pathwaytonetzerobutasawayof augmentingpowersupplyfrom constrainednationalgrids;and
Ÿ Theappropriateprocurementand contractingmodelsforthe constructionofthenecessary railandportinfrastructure neededtotransport mineralsandmetalsto marketsoncetheyhave beenmined.
"The world cannot function without mining. It's the backbone of everything from technology to infrastructure.” Sevi Rich Integrating Innovation and Sustainability for a Better Mining Future Theminingindustryhaslongbeenafundamental
componentofglobaldevelopment,providing essentialmaterialsthatdriveinfrastructure,energy, andtechnology.Asthedemandformineralscontinuesto rise,theindustryisadaptingtonewchallengesand opportunities.Sustainability,environmentalresponsibility, andtechnologicalinnovationarereshapingmining operations,leadingtomoreefficientandeco-friendly practices.Fromembracingdigitaltransformationto focusingonfuture-facingcommoditiessuchasthose requiredforenergytransition,thesectorisevolvingtomeet thedemandsofarapidlychangingworld.Thisshiftreflects thegrowingimportanceofsustainabilityandinnovationin ensuringthelong-termviabilityoftheindustry
SeviRich,VicePresidentofGlobalCoreAccounts,isa prominentleaderatthetopofthischange,guidingthe industrywithherforward-thinkingleadership.Knownfor herabilitytomanagechallengingbusinessproblemsand complexprojectportfoliosanddrivestrategicinnovation, Seviisshapingthefutureofminingbycombiningemerging technologieswithsustainablepractices.Hercareerpath, whichspansacrossvarioussectors,hasequippedherwith theskillstoaddressthemultifacetedchallengesofthe miningindustry Throughhervisionaryapproach,sheis improvingoperationalefficienciesandcultivatingaculture ofinclusivityandinnovationwithinherteams.
AtWorley,Sevifocusesonenhancingpartnershipswith coreclients,deliveringinnovativesolutions,andensuring long-termvaluecreation.Thecompany'sglobalinfluence, combinedwithSevi'sstrategicleadership,allowsthemto co-createsolutionsthataddresstheevolvingneedsoftheir customerswhileprioritizingsustainability.Withan emphasisonaligningbusinessstrategieswith environmentalandsocialgoals,Worleycontinuestoleadin providinginnovative,responsibleresourcemanagement servicesthatpositionthecompanyasaleaderinthefuture ofmining.
Let’s explore Sevi’s inventive leadership journey in mining:
DiverseCareerPathinMining Sevi’scareertrajectoryhasbeendiverse,equippingherto understandthechallengesfacedbytheminingindustry.She startedasamathematiciananddatascientist,exploring rolesinoilandgas,financialservices,andpowerutilities. Theseearlyexperienceshelpedherdevelopskillsindata storytellingandstakeholdermanagement,layingthe foundationforherfutureinmining.
Shetransitionedintominingthroughleadershiproles, wheresheoversawstrategicdevelopment,businessplans, opportunityassessments,andstrategicstudies.These positionshelpedhergrasphowlargeorganizationsfunction andhowtodevelopscalableandexecutablestrategies.She quicklylearnedthatsuccessinminingrequirednotjusta technicalfocusbutacomprehensiveunderstandingof finance,stakeholderrequirements,regulations,and operationalcomplexities.
Assheadvanced,shetookonlargerleadershiproles, managinglargeP&Ls,drivingorganizational transformations,leadinglargeprojectportfolios,and fosteringacultureoflearningandinnovation.These experiencesgaveheraholisticperspectiveonbeingabetter leader,creatingvalue,improvingoverallbusiness outcomes,andmanagingrisksinmining.
Morerecently,herglobalexecutiveleadershiproleshave focusedonfuture-facingcommodities,energytransition, andtheintegrationofemergingtechnologies.Theseroles allowedhertoleadinnovationwhiletacklingsustainability andoperationalexcellence.
AkeymilestonewasleadingRioTinto’sfirstacquisition integrationinoveradecadesuccessfullythroughglobally dispersedteams,alsoestablishingprocessesforbothcurrent andfuturemergerintegrations.Thisexperiencereinforced
Sevi
Rich VicePresident, Global CoreAccounts
Worley
Through her visionary approach, Sevi is improving operational efficiencies and cultivating a culture of inclusivity and innovation within her teams.”
herbeliefinglobalcitizenship,strategicpartnerships,and transformativeleadership.
Innovation-DrivenGlobalAccountStrategies AsVicePresidentofGlobalCoreAccountsatWorley,Sevi focusesonstrengtheningpartnershipswithcorecustomers, deliveringvalue,anddrivingservicediversification.She developsandexecutesglobalaccountstrategiesthat emphasizelong-term,innovation-drivensolutions.Akey partofherroleistransformingclientrelationshipsinto strategicbusinesspartnershipsandco-creatingnewwaysof workingtoensuremutualsuccess.
Shepartnerswithcustomersthroughoutthelifecycleof theirassets,deliveringdata-centricandinnovativesolutions thatimproveprojectdeliveryandvaluecreation. Additionally,sheadvocatesforsustainableoutcomes, aligningWorley’sserviceswithenvironmentalandsocial goalstoensurepositiveimpactsandcontinuedleadershipin innovationandresponsibleresourcemanagement.
EmpoweringTeamsThroughInclusivity Herleadershipstyleiscollaborative,transformational,and results-oriented.Shenurturesopencommunication,trust, andinnovation,empoweringherteamstotakeownershipof theirwork.Leadingglobal,diverseteamshastaughtherthe importanceofinclusivityandlisteningtovarious perspectives.
Accordingtoher,essentialleadershipqualitiesinthis industryincludeadaptability,guidingteamsthrough uncertainty,andmaintainingastrongfocusonlong-term goals.Shealsoemphasizescreatingapsychologicallysafe environmentwhereteammembersfeelcomfortablevoicing ideasandconcerns.
CommitmenttoInnovationandEmergingTrends TheabilitytothinkstrategicallywhilemaintainingahandsonapproachhasbeenkeytoSevi’ssuccess.Mining projectsinvolvecomplexitiesacrossengineering,finance, projects,andenvironmentalfactors,andabig-pictureview iscrucial.Relationship-buildinghasalsobeenvital—strong partnershipsbothwithinteamsandacrossorganizationsare criticaltodeliveringsuccessfuloutcomes.
Resilienceandadaptabilityhavebeenindispensablein navigatingthevolatilenatureofthesector,andher commitmenttoinnovationkeepsheraheadofemerging trendslikeAIanddigitaltransformation.
As Vice President of Global Core Accounts at Worley, Sevi focuses on strengthening partnerships with core customers, delivering value, and driving service diversification.”
EncouragingLong-TermThinkinginTeams Sheensuresalignmentthroughclearcommunication, regularstrategysessions,andfeedbackloops.Shemakes sureeveryteammemberunderstandsthepurposebehind whatthey’redoing,linkingtheirtaskstoboththe company’slong-termvisionandtheirclient’sobjectives.
Shecultivatesacultureofownershipandaccountability, encouragingteammemberstoinvestpersonallyintheir outcomes.Shealsomentorsandcoachesherteam,helping themdevelopleadershipskillsandthinklong-term.
PrioritizingContinuousLearningandEducation Sevistaysupdatedbyengagingwithindustrynetworks, attendingconferences,andparticipatinginthought leadershipforums.Sheprioritizescontinuouslearning throughexecutiveeducation,webinars,andpublications fromkeyindustrybodies.
Additionally,sheproactivelyfollowsadvancementsinother industries,suchastech,manufacturing,andlogistics,to understandhowtheirinnovations—likedigitaltwins, autonomoussystems,oragilemethodologies—canbe appliedtomining.
Shealsokeepsacloseeyeontechnologyprovidersand startupstostayinformedaboutemergingtrendssuchasAI andautomation.Thisoutside-inapproachhelpsherbring forward-lookingsolutionstotheirprojects,drivingvalue beyondtraditionalminingpractices.
KeyTraitsforAspiringLeaders Heradvicetoaspiringleadersintheminerals,miningand metalsindustryistoembracechangeandadaptability The industryisevolvingrapidlywiththeriseoftechnologyand sustainability.Aspiringleadersshouldbuildknowledgeof digitaltoolsandemergingtechnologiesandexperiment withthem,asthesewillshapethefuture.
Focusonbuildingstrongrelationships,ascollaborationis essentialinmining.Stayresilientandpatient—mining projectstaketime,andnavigatingthroughchallengesispart oftheprocess.Committocontinuouslearningand experimenting,andbeopentodiverserolesthatexpand yourskillset.
NurturingLong-Term,Value-DrivenPartnershipsin Mining Sevi’sfuturegoalsincludecontinuingtodriveinnovation andsustainabilityintheminingindustry,particularly throughtheintegrationoftechnologieslikeAI,machine learning,andautomation.Sheispassionateaboutenabling thesupplyoffuture-facingcommoditiesthatwillpowerthe globalenergytransition.
Shealsoaimstoleadinitiativesthatdeveloplong-term, sustainablepartnershipsbetweenminersandservice providers,movingawayfromtransactionalmodelstomore value-drivenrelationships.Ultimately,shewantsto contributetotheindustry’stransformationbydelivering projectsthatareefficient,profitable,andenvironmentally responsible.
The Shift Toward Clean Energy Solutions Theminingindustry,longassociatedwithhigh
carbonemissions,isfacingmountingpressureto reduceitsenvironmentalimpact.Inresponsetothe growingdemandforcleaner,moresustainablepractices,the sectorisundergoingatransformation.Centraltothis changeisthepushfordecarbonization—reducingor eliminatingcarbonemissionsfromminingoperations.This shifttocleanenergysolutionsisnotjustaresponseto environmentalconcernsbutastrategicmovethatwillshape thefutureofminingastheworldincreasinglyprioritizes sustainability
Mining,whichincludesactivitiessuchasresource extraction,transportation,andmineralprocessing,is energy-intensiveandresponsibleforsignificantgreenhouse gas(GHG)emissions.Accordingtoestimates,theglobal miningsectorcontributesaround4-7%oftotalGHG emissions.Thisincludesemissionsfromdiesel-powered equipment,electricityconsumption,andindustrial processes.Withthegrowingurgencytomeetinternational climategoals,theminingsectorislookingforwaysto decarbonizeandalignwiththeglobaltransitiontoward cleanerenergysources.
TheNeedforDecarbonizationinMining Decarbonizingminingiscrucialforseveralreasons.First, thereareincreasingregulatorypressures.Governments worldwidearetighteningenvironmentalregulationsand settingambitioustargetsforcarbonreductions.This includespoliciessuchascarbontaxes,emissionreduction mandates,andsustainabilityreportingrequirements.These regulationsaredrivingtheneedforcleanerenergysolutions inindustrieslikeminingthataremajorsourcesofcarbon emissions.
Second,publicopinionisshifting.Consumers,investors, andcommunitiesaremoreawareoftheenvironmental impactofindustries,andmanydemandmoreresponsible
practices.Investors,particularlythosewithafocuson environmental,social,andgovernance(ESG)factors,are increasinglysteeringcapitaltowardcompaniesthat prioritizesustainability.Miningcompaniesthatfailtoact mayfacereputationaldamage,lowerstockprices,or difficultyattractinginvestment.
Finally,technologicaladvancementsandtheavailabilityof cleanerenergyalternativesmakethetransitionto decarbonizationmorefeasible.Cleantechnologies, renewableenergysolutions,andenergy-efficientpractices arenowmoreaccessibleandeconomicallyviablethanever before.Thismakesiteasierforminingcompaniestoreduce theircarbonfootprintwithoutsacrificingoperational efficiencyorprofitability
CleanEnergySolutionsinMining Thepathtowarddecarbonizationinmininginvolves adoptingcleanenergytechnologiesandpracticesacross variousaspectsoftheindustry.Severalkeystrategiesare emergingthatarehelpingminingoperationstransitionto cleaner,moresustainableenergyuse.
Electrification of Mining Equipment Oneofthemostimpactfulwaystodecarbonizemining operationsistoelectrifyequipment.Diesel-poweredtrucks, excavators,anddrillsarecommonintheminingsector,and theiremissionscontributeheavilytothecarbonfootprintof miningoperations.Byreplacingthesediesel-powered machineswithelectricversions,miningcompaniescan significantlyreduceemissions.
Electricminingtrucksandmachineryhavealreadybeen developedandareinuseatseveralminingsites.For example,companieslikeAnglo-AmericanandCaterpillar havemadestridesinthedevelopmentoflarge-scaleelectric truckscapableoftransportingorewithoutrelyingonfossil fuels.Theseelectricvehiclescanrunonrenewableenergy, furtherreducingtheirenvironmentalimpact.
Additionally,theelectrificationofundergroundmining equipmentisanotherareaoffocus.Battery-powereddrills, loaders,andhaulagevehiclesarebecomingmorecommon inundergroundoperations,whereventilationisacritical issue.Electrificationreducestheneedforventilation systemsthatoftenrequirelargeamountsofenergyto removedieselexhaustfumes.
Integration of Renewable Energy Ashifttowardrenewableenergyiscentraltodecarbonizing miningoperations.Miningsites,particularlythosein remoteareas,oftenrelyonfossilfuelssuchasdieselorcoal togenerateelectricity Thisnotonlycontributestohigh emissionsbutalsomakesminingoperationsvulnerableto fluctuationsinfuelprices.
Toreducedependenceonfossilfuels,manymining companiesareinvestinginrenewableenergysourceslike solar,wind,andhydropower.Forexample,severalmining operationsinremotelocationsarenowpoweredbyhybrid systemsthatcombinerenewableenergywithbattery storage.Thisallowstheminingoperationstoreducetheir relianceondieselgeneratorsandcutemissions.
Solarpowerisparticularlywell-suitedtominingoperations insunnyregions,whilewindpowercanbeeffectivein areaswithconsistentwindpatterns.Hydropowerisaviable solutionforminingcompaniessituatednearriversorwater sources.Thecombinationofrenewableenergysourcesnot onlyhelpstoreducecarbonemissionsbutalsoprovides coststabilitybyinsulatingminingoperationsfromthe volatilityoffuelprices.
The Road Ahead for Clean Energy in Mining Asthedemandforsustainablemineralscontinuestogrow, particularlyfortheproductionofcleanenergytechnologies suchaselectricvehiclesandrenewableenergysystems, miningcompaniesarefacingincreasedpressureto decarbonizetheiroperations.Whilethetransitiontoclean energysolutionsinminingisnotwithoutitsdifficulties, includingthehighcostsofnewtechnologiesand infrastructureinvestments,thepotentialbenefits—both environmentalandeconomic—aresignificant.
Thefutureofminingliesincleanenergysolutions,andthe industryisbeginningtorealizethatmakingtheshiftisnot justaboutreducingemissions—it'saboutsecuringa sustainableandprofitablefutureinanincreasingly environmentallyconsciousworld.
"Mining is not just about extracting resources; it's about creating value that lasts for generations.”