Over more than twenty years in mining, I have learned that succeeding in this industry is not about becoming ‘one of the boys.’ It is about bringing your own female perspective to solving complex problems for mining companies.
Queeneth Vikisi. All images supplied by BME
While technical expertise remains fundamental to succeeding in the industry, I believe that bringing curiosity, adaptability and the ability to see the bigger picture of imagined possibilities – qualities that many women naturally bring to the workplace– have shaped both my career and approach to solving challenges faced by mining companies.
Transitioning out of a purely technical laboratory environment where I began my career in water treatment and related industries, my responsibilities have expanded beyond the laboratory into people management and customer-focused leadership. Since making this move, I have kept the words of author and entrepreneur Adeline Atlas at the forefront of my mind. She said, “Don’t think about the product you have, but the problem you are solving.” Adopting this approach has shaped the way I engage with clients and address their challenges.
Rather than beginning with a technical solution, I start by understanding the challenges that clients are trying to overcome. By asking questions and being genuinely curious, I can then draw on my technical background to develop solutions that make a real difference to their operations.
Curiosity has become one of the most valuable skills in my career. I am conscious that mining is evolving rapidly, driven by the global energy transition, increasing ESG expectations and environmental legislation. Remaining relevant means constantly learning, embracing new technologies and understanding how changing mineral extraction processes create new operational challenges and opportunities for mining companies.
Water lies at the heart of many of these challenges. As a scarce resource, every opportunity to recover and reuse water has a direct impact on both operational efficiency and the environment. At the same time, the growing demand for critical minerals such as lithium and rare earths has introduced new processing requirements, as each mineral interacts differently in water and acid medium and requires different treatment approaches.
Queeneth Vikisi, Project Manager: Business Development, BME Metallurgy.
This constant evolution means I am continually learning, adapting and developing new processes that help mining companies improve both sustainability and profitability. Our work at BME Metallurgy reflects this approach. We have partnered with technology leaders to address issues such as crud formation during copper extraction, reducing production disruptions and financial losses.
Faced with current shortages of sulphur and sulphuric acid, both essential in the production of rechargeable battery minerals, we have developed recovery processes that allow these valuable materials to be recovered and reused rather than neutralised and discarded in waste tailings. Similarly, through nano-membrane technology, we can recover other reagents such as sodium bicarbonate and upgrade rare earth concentrations. These advances in chemistry continue to improve process efficiencies and customer profitability.
For me, technical innovation is about solving problems responsibly while reducing mining’s impact on the environment. Working with chemicals, I began to understand both their value and the gravity of the potential damage they can do to the environment, and so I have come to acknowledge the importance of sustainable practices and responsible stewardship.
One of my proudest professional achievements was developing a trademarked coagulant for water treatment as part of my BTech postgraduate research. It represents this combination of innovation, technical expertise and practical application.
Technical competence has also been central to earning credibility throughout my career. However, technical expertise alone is not enough, and I believe that integrity is equally important. Delivering on commitments, being honest with clients, and having the courage to implement solutions with confidence are qualities that I bring to my professional relationships.
I also believe women bring a valuable outlook to the mining industry. In my experience, many women are catalysts for change. I’ve seen them bring tangible change to their areas of impact without being hardened by the environments in which they work, ultimately influencing the industry as a whole. This is why I actively encourage young women entering the profession. I tell my mentees to have confidence in themselves, to speak up, to remain authentic and never feel they need to change who they are to succeed. Whenever possible, I take younger female colleagues with me on site visits so they can gain first-hand experience of the mining environment and build confidence in applying their knowledge in real-world situations.
Mining has given me a fulfilling and rewarding career, and I would encourage any young woman looking for a solid career path to consider it as a profession, especially given that there are so many more opportunities today. Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned is one that goes beyond mining. I’ve learned that in demanding careers, women think they can multitask and often do, forgetting that burnout is a reality. Self-care is not a luxury, it is essential for good mental health. Having the ability to switch off, recharge and protect our own wellbeing is fundamental to building a successful and sustainable career.
Mining’s future will be shaped not only by technology, but by people who are curious enough to challenge convention, courageous enough to innovate and committed enough to leave the industry stronger than they found it. I believe women have an increasingly important role to play in that future.