WorkLife Balance and Advice for Young Professionals

Work Life balance resonated with all the leaders. Elamé shared his ability to strike a balance due to his background in FMCG companies that prioritized performance. Juárez, with his wealth of experience, underscored that "time flies," emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance. Both Duerr and Talaz see work life balance as essential to ensure productivity and mental wellbeing.

Their advice for young professionals? Curiosity, reliability, continuous learning, honesty, and effective communication are crucial. Talaz further stressed the significance of self branding and the ability to "sell oneself."

Improving the Industry's Image

Elamé recommends regular employee assessments to gather feedback on the company and its image. Juárez focuses on enhancing communication with all stakeholders, especially those outside the industry, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education. Duerr suggests educating the public about the origins of materials, while Talaz points to the importance of leveraging technology to reduce environmental and safety risks.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The leaders also touched upon the current challenges and potential opportunities facing the mining industry. With the world increasingly pivoting towards renewable energy and sustainable practices, the mining sector finds itself at the crossroads of change.

Charles Elamé sees a necessity for mining companies to adapt and innovate. "To stay relevant, we need to reassess our practices, innovate in sustainability, and engage with the communities we operate in," he shared.

Mario Juárez emphasized the importance of ethical mining practices. "Mining can't just be about extracting resources; it's about leaving a legacy, a positive footprint in the community and environment," he stated.

Sinan Talaz brought up the role of technology. "Emerging technologies offer the dual promise of increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Investing in these innovations will be key to the industry's future," he opined.

Herb Duerr added, "Our young professionals must be ready to adapt, learn, and lead these changes. The industry's future rests on their shoulders."

Mining Industry Leaders Discuss the Way Forward

In a captivating roundtable discussion, industry leaders from different sectors of the mining world converged to share their insights, experiences, and visions for the future of mining. From the bustling mining hubs of Cameroon to the serene landscapes of Nevada, each brought a unique perspective. Yet, all echoed a singular sentiment: the industry is at a crossroads, and navigating the future will require a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and ethics.

Reinventing Leadership for the Modern Era

Charles Elamé of Cameroon emphasized the foundational role of leadership in his career. "Leadership isn’t just about being at the helm; it’s about fostering a team spirit, ensuring accountability, and driving results," he noted. Reflecting on his journey, he also stressed the importance of continuous self improvement and evolving with the times.

Mario Juárez, with his extensive background in mining, candidly shared that while formal education had broadened his horizons, real world experiences and personal values had been the cornerstone of his leadership style.

"In an ever changing industry, adaptability and grounded principles are vital. Leadership is also about mentoring the next generation and imparting the importance of integrity in every decision," Juárez stated.

Navigating Career Paths in Mining

The pathways to success in mining are as varied as the minerals extracted. From the challenges of finding the right opportunities to understanding the intricacies of company culture, the leaders shared their insights.

Herb Duerr believes in the power of continuous learning. While he sees leadership as essential, he feels that staying updated in the economic geology field is paramount. "In this dynamic industry, one's ability to adapt, innovate, and integrate new knowledge can set them apart," Duerr expressed.

Sinan Talaz from Turkey highlighted the role of leadership in technology adoption. “With the rapid advancements in technology, those in leadership roles must not only adapt but anticipate changes, ensuring that their teams are equipped and ready,” he mentioned.

Challenges and Opportunities: The Future Landscape

While the industry leaders concurred on many points, they each had a unique take on the challenges and opportunities lying ahead. Elamé believes that to sustainably grow, mining companies need a dual focus on innovation and community engagement. "Adapting to new methodologies while ensuring community trust is not optional; it's imperative," he voiced.

Juárez, on the other hand, advocates for a more holistic approach to mining. "It's about viewing each project as an opportunity to not only extract resources but to contribute positively to the community and environment."

Talaz, with his expertise in technology, sees an era where mining can harness innovations for safer, more efficient operations, reducing environmental and safety risks. "Technology isn't just a tool; it's the bridge to a sustainable future in mining," he remarked.

Duerr, with a vision towards the future, encourages young professionals to seize every opportunity to grow. "The future will be about balancing extraction with conservation. Young minds need to champion this balance," he added.

Finding common ground among the insights provided by the industry leaders in the roundtable discussion reveals some shared beliefs and values that are central to the mining industry's future:

1. Value of Leadership: Each of the leaders understands and appreciates the importance of leadership, even if they prioritize different aspects. They recognize that effective leadership is vital for guiding teams, making decisions, and navigating the intricacies of the mining industry.

2. Education and Experience: All leaders acknowledged the role of formal education in shaping their careers. While the extent varied, they all agreed that combining educational qualifications with hands-on experience is essential for success in the industry.

3. Commitment and Accountability: They unanimously believe in engendering commitment and accountability within their teams. Commitment drives results, fosters team spirit, and ensures that tasks are executed correctly.

4. Company Culture: It's universally accepted among the leaders that new employees fitting into the company culture is vital. An alignment with the company's values and culture ensures smoother operations and a cohesive working environment.

5. Balancing Technical and Managerial Skills: All leaders agree that both technical and managerial skills are crucial in the industry. The right balance between these skills ensures effective decision making and efficient operations.

6. Life/Work Balance: They all stressed the significance of a balanced life/work approach. Recognizing that time is precious, they understand that maintaining this balance is essential for overall well-being and productivity.

7. Ethical and Sustainable Practices: The leaders collectively emphasize the importance of ethics, sustainability, and communication in the industry's future. They believe in leaving a positive impact on society and ensuring that the industry operates with integrity.

8. Engaging with Stakeholders: All leaders see the value in open communication with stakeholders. They believe in the importance of educating and informing the public and other stakeholders about the mining industry's practices and contributions.

Topic Commonality

Importance of Leadership

All leaders acknowledged the importance of leadership in the mining industry.

Formal Education and Career Paths

Most leaders appreciate the role of formal education in their careers.

Company Culture and Promotion

All leaders emphasize the importance of fitting into the company culture for new employees.

Future of the Industry

All leaders believe in the importance of ethics, sustainability, and communication with stakeholders.

Contrast

Charles Elamé sees leadership as a career driver, crucial in dealing with peers, senior management, and fostering team spirit and accountability. Mario Juárez stresses the importance of values, manners, and empathy in leadership. Herb Duerr prioritizes continuous learning in the economic geology field over leadership. Sinan Talaz values leadership for guiding departments, especially when introducing and managing new technologies.

Charles Elamé believes that while business school gave him a foundational degree, experience was the real gamechanger. Mario Juárez feels that his education expanded his horizons and prepared him for diverse roles in the industry. Herb Duerr thinks that while leadership is vital, staying updated in the field of economic geology is more critical. Sinan Talaz, with his engineering background, believes it has broadened his understanding of technology.

Charles Elamé views alignment with company culture as fundamental, with promotions based on a balance between technical and managerial skills. Mario Juárez believes that while new employees should fit the culture, companies should also be open minded to benefit from diverse cultural influences. He advocates for a careful balance in promotions, focusing on values. Herb Duerr leans more towards technical skills, especially given the size of his company. Sinan Talaz feels promotions should be a mix, as it's hard to make decisions without technical knowledge.

Charles Elamé suggests that companies must consistently assess what employees think about the company and its image to make necessary corrections. Mario Juárez emphasizes the significance of communication with stakeholders, especially those outside the industry, and improving overall education regarding the industry. Herb Duerr stresses the importance of informing the public about the origins of materials. Sinan Talaz sees technology as pivotal for the industry's future, helping reduce environmental and safety risks.

Despite the different paths they've taken and the varied experiences they've had, these industry leaders share a common vision for the future of mining. They see an industry driven by strong leadership, informed by education and experience, committed to ethical practices, and engaged with its stakeholders.

The roundtable was a testament to the rich diversity of experiences, perspectives, and wisdom in the mining industry.

Despite hailing from different regions and backgrounds, the common thread was evident: a commitment to evolve, innovate, and drive the mining industry forward with responsibility, sustainability, and a keen eye on the future.

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the mining industry's role has never been more critical. It is heartening to see industry leaders not just recognize the challenges but also actively work towards creating a better future.

For young professionals entering the sector, the message is clear: equip yourself with knowledge, be adaptable, prioritize sustainability, and remember that the choices you make today will shape the industry's legacy.

Lagging Badly, Mining’s Contribution To Economy Halved

The growth of investment in fresh new greenfield mining projects is lagging badly and the contribution of the South African mining industry to the national economy has more than halved in the last two decades, Minerals Council South Africa’s latest Facts and Figures 2022 points out.

Net fixed capital formation figures show a mining industry bumping along a growthless greenfield path.

Investment in the mining sector has largely been directed towards maintaining current operations. This is reflected in the 30%-higher gross fixed capital formation investment, which centres on brownfield growth in existing lease areas.

In contrast, net fixed capital formation investment in mining averaged a low 4% from 1993 to 2022. A major upturn in net fixed investment is required because what has been mined needs to be replaced by a new find.

In stark contrast to other sectors of the South African economy, mining has consistently struggled to achieve and maintain positive growth.

In fact, mining is the only sector of the South African economy that has averaged a negative 0.4% growth rate since 1994 in the face of all other sectors having grown, Facts and Figures 2022 highlights.