Mining Weekly

The Department of Minerals and Energy’s call for nominations for individuals to take up board positions at State mineral and metallurgy researcher Mintek has reportedly elicited numerous enquiries.

It is understood that with the exception of the chairperson who has a five-year tenure, the rest of the board would have to be replaced or re-elected.

Current board members include chairperson Mzi Khumalo and Dr Paul Jordaan, Abe Mngome Zulu, Dr Nozibele Mjoli, Dr Frank Crundwell, Professor Phuti Ngoepe, Gugu Mthethwa, Ralph Havenstein and Vinogaren Pillay.

Mining Weekly Online has learn that there was a possibility that the new board would be extended to include more members.

DME chief director: mining and mineral policy Advocate Martin Mononela said that the organisation was looking to fill the positions as soon as possible.

He reported that the DME was keen on a “phased-out-phased-in” approach to ensure that no vacuum was created during the transition.

When questioned on when the new person would be appointed, Monenela confirmed that it would be before year-end.

The department called for nominations from persons who had achieved distinction in science, engineering or industry or had special knowledge or experience in relation to one or other aspect of Mintek’s function.

“New members coming onto the board are coming in at a challenging time –a time when the country is moving towards a new paradigm shift, that is, to the beneficiation of our own natural resources, such as diamond beneficiation,” he said.

Mononela went on to explain that the department was looking to appoint people with the vision to take the institution beyond what it was previously.

The tenure for the position on State-owned Mintek’s board is for a period not exceeding three years.