Exxaro Resources applauds its Commissioning Manager, Zelmia Botha, who was recently announced as the new President of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). Zelmia’s appointment is a proud moment for Exxaro as she is only the fourth woman to head this prestigious 125-year-old organisation since its inception in 1894.

The SAIMM enjoys both local and international links aimed at disseminating knowledge and assisting our members source information regarding technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors. The overarching objective is to ensure that our engineers remain relevant and are able to continue developing professionally as they progress in their respective careers.

They are also guided by a professional code of ethics that ensures reciprocity with similar bodies around the globe. This allows us to collaborate on global initiatives and to influence policy that directly affects our industry. The SAIMM also actively participates in promoting and meeting industry-related obligations to various communities and the environment. This is consistent with the SAIMM’s Constitution.

Zelmia’s role at SAIMM enshrines great responsibility and casts a spotlight on Exxaro’s commitment to equality. “It is my honour to serve as SAIMM’s President. This is a role that would not be possible without Exxaro’s dedication to women empowerment and overall diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&). I believe my role is to find innovative solutions, pertaining to the empowerment of the minority and future generations to drive the SAIMMs sustainability,” says Zelmia.

The diversified mining and renewable energy solutions company prides itself in fostering growth and empowerment opportunities for leaders like Zelmia.

“Our dedication is reflected through our inclusive stakeholder structure as we remain aligned to the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. Appointments such as Zelmia’s makes Exxaro proud as it proves that our DE&I strategy is working,” explains Vanisha Balgobind - Exxaro’s Executive Head, Human Resources.

Zelmia’s position at SAIMM will inspire women to continue to seek opportunities in the mining sector and occupy leadership positions. “As it stands, women only make up 20% of engineers in South Africa,” concludes Zelmia.