The Crucible - Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM)

In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Dr Jeannette McGill shares the 30-year journey behind her summit of Mount Everest — a dream that began as a quiet “one-day” goal and evolved into a test of resilience, commitment, and courage. From pioneering roles in the mining and technology sectors to multiple attempts on the world’s highest peak, she reflects on setbacks, turning back when it mattered most, and the discipline of consistent preparation.



More than a story about climbing Everest, this is a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements are built through daily commitment, calculated risk, and the willingness to begin — even when success isn’t guaranteed. Visit the SAIMM Website

In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Dr Jeannette McGill shares the 30-year journey behind her summit of Mount Everest — a dream that began as a quiet “one-day” goal and evolved into a test of resilience, commitment, and courage. From pioneering roles in the mining and technology sectors to multiple attempts on the world’s highest peak, she reflects on setbacks, turning back when it mattered most, and the discipline of consistent preparation.



More than a story about climbing Everest, this is a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements are built through daily commitment, calculated risk, and the willingness to begin — even when success isn’t guaranteed. Visit the SAIMM Website

In this special episode of The Crucible, current SAIMM President Gary Lane sits down with Past President Dr. Elias Matinde to reflect on their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the future of the mining and metallurgy profession.

What starts as a conversational exchange between two leaders becomes an insightful look into mentorship, volunteering, skill development, and the evolving needs of the mining industry. Gary and Elias discuss their backgrounds, the impact of SAIMM on industry knowledge-sharing, and the critical role of young professionals in shaping the sector’s future. Visit the SAIMM Website

In this episode of The Crucible, Kabelo Rathobei (Researcher PhD Candidate | Luleå University of Technology) sits down with Boitumelo Nkomo, the Women in Mining (WIM) Programme Manager at the Minerals Council South Africa, to unpack one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: discrimination and unconscious bias in hiring and promotions.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience and deep sector-wide engagement, Boitumelo provides historical context, insight into structural biases, and clarity on what meaningful transformation requires within mining workplaces. Visit the SAIMM Website

In this episode of The Crucible, Dr Kym Morton leads a powerful discussion on the evolving science, technology, and governance of tailings management. She is joined by Justin Walls (SRK Consulting), Simone Maharaj (Impala Platinum), and Alistair Bovim (Insight Terra), who share insights into how mining houses and consultants are improving the safety, efficiency, and accountability of tailings storage facilities (TSFs). Visit the SAIMM Website