INTERVIEW WITH RAKSHA NAIDOO, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT AMIS

INTERVIEW WITH RAKSHA NAIDOO, MANAGING DIRECTOR ATAMIS

Q. AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AMIS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE CAREER PATH WHICH LED YOU TO THE MINING SECTOR.

I completed my degree in Science, and after graduating, I applied everywhere for a job. I got my first job as a Laboratory Chemist, at a mineral processing refinery in the middle of nowhere. It was a complete contrast to the pretty labs I knew at university, but this rough, extremely challenging male-dominated plant changed my life forever.

I worked my way up to different roles, before leaving after 10 years, when I joined AMIS. After about 18 months, I was afforded an opportunity to take on the role of Managing Director, and so began this exciting journey.

Q. AFRICAN MINERAL STANDARDS (AMIS) IS A LEADING MANUFACTURER FOR THE GLOBAL MARKET OF “MATRIX MATCHED, MULTI-ELEMENT, CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALS”. PLEASE CAN YOU UNPACK WHAT SERVICES THE COMPANY OFFERS.

AMIS produces matrix-matched CRMs made from naturally occurring ore bodies. We offer an extensive library of products, catering to various commodity and grade types. We also manufacture CRMs for a mining house’s sole use, should they require that. In addition, we also administer a proficiency testing scheme, for laboratories to participate in, for interlaboratory comparisons, which further assists the labs to gain and maintain their ISO accreditations.

Over and above this, we are a team of technical experts, who are here to explore solutions with you, to further optimise your business needs.

Q. WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, CAN BE DONE TO ATTRACT MORE WOMEN INTO MINING AND EXPLORATION?

The industry needs an integrated, multiple stakeholder approach including men and women across leadership, management, labour, government and communities, to be successful.

Predominantly, men are in decision-making roles today and if they are not taken along in the understanding of bias, constraints and injustices inhibiting the representation and advancement of women in the industry, the industry will not make the required progress. Technological changes and advancements will allow for more women to create roles and careers in the industry. As we move to increased automation, more job opportunities should open up for women.

Groups such as Women in Mining SA (WiMSA) play a key role as well. I am the current Deputy Chairperson of WiMSA, and our purpose is to inspire women to build a better world through mining. We aim to provide support and guidance for personal growth, leadership and career development through building relationships, and we enable females in the South African mining industry through networking, stakeholder collaboration and mentorship.

Q. HOW DO YOU THINK WE CAN ENSURE LOCALISATION AND BENEFICIATION IN SOUTH AFRICA?

I think all necessary stakeholders, industry/government/communities, need to come together in order to ensure that the necessary and essential infrastructure, services, and skills are available to achieve this.

Q. WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The people I work with. I am very passionate about people, and am grateful that I get an opportunity where I can help develop people and their careers, and ultimately help make our society better. AMIS is also a very niche business, providing a very key piece of the puzzle within the mining value chain, and is it exciting to be part of that puzzle.

Company Details

Address: 11 Avalon Road, Westlake Ext 11, Modderfontein, Gauteng.

Phone: 011 923 0800

Linkedin : AMIS

Website: amis.co.za