5 minute read
Empowering Women Through shared vision
from Women in Mining
by wim-magazine
E m p o w e r i n g Wo m e n
Through shared vision
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Women in Mining had a chat with Tania Pienaar, Director and shareholder at Tailing Technology.
Amongst her many accolades as a business woman in the mining sector, she is also a mother of two
and a wife, her partner has also accomplished a frui�ul career in the mining industry.
Tania was born and bred in Cape Town in the Cape Flats, Mitchells Plain.
I matriculated there and started
working from the tender age of 16 to assist my parents and to eventually fund my studies. I studied Chemical Engineering at Cape Technikon. In 2001, I was recruited by Impala Pla�num as a graduate metallurgist. Very quickly in my career, I was very fortunate to fly through the ranks. I became the youngest manager at Implats the age of 23. At 24 I joined Tailing Technology as the Opera�ons Director and I s�ll serve at Tailtech
as director and shareholder. I was
directly responsible for commissioning 9 concentrator plants. In today’s commodity prices, the value derived from that is roughly an excess of 100 billion Rands. Last year the organisa�on celebrated a million ounces from
tailings at one of its opera�ons.
In my spare �me I enjoy running and I have completed numerous comrades’ marathons. Inclusive of
that is Two Oceans marathons and
Sky Run. I love running, it is my personal �me for myself to clear my mind and enjoy the privilege of being able to run ’’
How do you establish an effec�ve work-life balance?
When asked how she establishes an
effec�ve work-life balance, Tania emphasised that she is a structured person. “I Believe work-life isn’t mutually exclusive, you can have it all. Provided that you have structure and plan ahead.’’
What made you pursue a career in the mining sector?
Joining the mining industry was out of necessity as opposed to choice. I was working for Caltex Oil Refinery as an intern while I was studying. A�er gradua�ng with my BTECH, Impala Pla�num gave me gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I saw how dynamic and interes�ng the industry was, that’s when I found the passion for mining.
How have things changed from when you started in mining, to the current situa�on?
Pondering on the change in the industry since she joined and currently, she emphasises that fundamentals are important. ‘’Efficiency and effec�veness is s�ll key.”
Where do you see the future for women in the mining industry?
It is good to see more women in the mining industry and I for one, am grateful for all the opportuni�es I have had in this industry. However, I prefer to compete on an equal basis. I bring competence to the table, and in that, I ensure that I bring other women and other people along with me. We have an Athle�co
educa�onal programme where we look at inves�ng �me and effort into students and scholars. I have a
few women that I have impacted and subsequently, they have also impacted me.
As you have no�ced, ar�ficial intelligent (AI) has become the "Talk of Town" for improving opera�ons in the mining sector. Do you think the mines are making necessary arrangements to op�mize opera�ons at the same �me, safe jobs?
A lot has been done in that regard,
however we have only caught the
�p of an iceberg. I don’t think
technology is a trade-off between
op�miza�on or job losses. I think
technology can help us improve
efficiency.
It makes us more employable. We can move from industry that is tradi�onal, heavy li�ing and hard labour, to becoming an industry that is safer and it becomes a�rac�ve to future genera�ons. So I am hopeful that technology will unlock that. I am hopeful to see all the advances it comes with. I believe that there is hope for young, dynamic and open minded individuals to change the industry through the help of technology advancements that are available. “I am firm believer that everything can be engineered to make it safer for both men and women.” So there is definitely opportunity there.
What are some of the challenges you faced as a woman in the mining industry over the years and how did you manage to overcome them?
The challenges I have faced were not unique to me as a woman in the industry. Fortunately for me, I have been very inten�onal from a young age about mentoring and developing professional rela�onships. Growing up, my dad was an entrepreneur in the construc�on industry. That gave me exposure to a male dominant industry and the ability to navigate challenges it came with an early age. Essen�ally, the exposure allowed me to develop a thick skin. Being a woman in this industry was not nega�ve for me, in fact, it is strength. I have faced prejudice but I don’t see it as a challenge. I am ac�on and result orientated and having mentors in my journey, have helped.
What encouragement would you give to young women who are s�ll pursuing career in the mining sector?
My advice to younger women in this industry, is to capacitate yourself. Study, get insight and exposure, read, do your research and always come be prepared. Work harder than anyone and bring your individualism and uniqueness to the table. Don’t be afraid to speak up and speak your mind.
Lastly, how has COVID-19 affected you and your work?
Being a contractor and service provider to the mines, we’ve had to adjust quickly. We have had to ensure compliance from a very early stage of a process. Even during the 2020 hard lockdown, we spent a lot of energy op�mising and improving our
processes.
On a personal level COVID has brought me closer to others. Helped me realise that life is a gi� and I need to appreciate people more. My Family, colleagues and people I am in contact with.
In terms of the workspace, working remotely has given a posi�ve dimension to our business. Online mee�ngs have helped us to be more efficient and establish that alignment in our business. These mee�ngs have a quicker turnaround �me with implementa�on of change.
It also helped a lot that a�er the 2020 hard
lockdown the commodity prices shot through the
roof so that had a posi�ve effect for our business.
Having posi�ve market helped us to not only
spend capital but to also improve our produc�ons
and improving our efficiencies.
