With more than 90% of De Beers Group consumers being women, the company values the diversity of its teams as a key strategy in building a more productive, innovative and resilient business.
Among the De Beers women at the cutting edge of mining progress is Stephanie Schoeman, lead quantity surveyor at the Venetia Underground Project (VUP) in Limpopo province. The excitement of being part of one of the world’s biggest diamond projects is what gets her up every morning.
“This is a fast-paced environment, which you must adapt to or get left behind,” says Schoeman.
“There is never a dull moment, good or bad!”
As an integral part of the contracts team on mining development underground, she has learnt that safety comes first, and that her opinion is respected in a largely male-dominated environment.
Helping drive sustainability in the business is Diksha Pillay, principal scope 3 carbon neutral at De Beers. Pillay takes her motivation from her children, as sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
“By solving the ‘right problems’, we can save our people and planet from the harmful effects of climate change,” she says. “Mining for me has always been more than a business; it is a purpose to creating a better future.”
As a woman in mining, she emphasises how she has always felt empowered with possibilities and opportunities to lead disruptive projects and share ideas.
Corporate affairs manager Lebogang Mphaka highlights how meaningful she finds her role, which includes managing the company’s Social and Labour Plan. Mphaka is also involved in socio-economic development, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.
“I feel energised by De Beers Group’s commitment to sustainable development, which has challenged us to develop lasting solutions for our labour-sending areas,” she says. “We also work to harness technology, so that we can respond to the significant changes shaping our industry and communities.”
On a personal level, she sees working in mining as a challenge to go the extra mile in every task – and to break barriers.
As a senior mining engineer at De Beers, Khutjo Ivy Lebelo has the demanding task of aligning mining execution and operational decisions with the business demands for growth, cost reduction and operational change.
“I am proud that my work impacts not only the organisation and its employees but the broader communities,” says Lebelo. “It is exciting to work with a dynamic team that is always willing to break boundaries and be innovative.”
She is inspired by the opportunity to transform the industry in ways never experienced before, she says. While the industry is notorious for resisting change, De Beers has led the way in deconstructing long-held norms.
“It has taken bold steps, which will be game-changers in the not-so-distant future,” she says.
“Now more than ever, the industry is poised to make significant changes that can have an everlasting impact.”