Mining Indaba publication design

Developing local talent

Our commitment to Africa

Home-grown talent

We focus on making sure our people have the skills and tools to be safe, well, productive and satisfied in their work.

When we say home-grown talent we are not only referring to our employees but to the communities within which we operate. We offer skills development programmes to help people become eligible for employment with us or other companies.

The nature of our business means that often our sites are located in rural areas where there is a need to create jobs, to develop local talent and expand economic opportunities for communities.

For more information on Rio Tinto in Africa please contact:

Rio Tinto, 1 Harries Road, Illovo, Sandton, 2196, South Africa, T +27 11 459 1000 | www.riotinto.com

Our people are our greatest asset and we are committed to contributing to Africa’s development by investing in home-grown talent. We are proud of all of our team members who have taken the career growth and development opportunities, some of whom are profiled in this publication.

We are committed to operating our business responsibly with respect for the safety and health of our people, our communities and the risks and responsibilities associated with the local and global environment. Our values are safety, teamwork, respect, integrity and excellence.

In South Africa where there is a high unemployment rate, it is essential for us to contribute to youth employment and enterprise development. It’s also important that we support South African businesses through the procurement of goods and services.

Skills development and entrepreneurship

We contribute to skills and entrepreneurship development through our many different programmes that are tailored to address the needs of communities.

Some of these programmes include: working with high school learners to improve results so they can study further and access bursaries through the Rössing Foundation in Namibia; bursary schemes provided by Richards Bay Minerals; skills development programmes; internships; centres to fast-track development of community enterprises such as the CARA business development centre in Madagascar; and opportunities for people to gain mining qualifications for entry-level employment at mines or related industries.

Our support in host communities includes funding programmes and centres as well as logistical support. The development of local suppliers and host community enterprises is one of the most effective means of ensuring that the benefits of our mining activities are directed to our host communities and will contribute to their sustainability beyond the life of our operations.

Local talent leads the way

We have a variety of leadership programmes within the workplace that are customised development programmes aimed at equipping employees for future roles as leaders.

In this publication you will read about the journey of some of these leaders and how they have harnessed the opportunities to develop and grow their career.

Our local talent has shown what is possible and they inspire the youth in the communities in which we work. They know that it takes hard work and perseverance, but they also know we are here to support them because investing in our people is a priority.

Women in mining

In South Africa, at Richards Bay Minerals, our Women in Mining Committee meets monthly to discuss matters that impact the success of women in our sector, including work/life balance, equality, and perceptions.

The Committee includes representatives from across the organisation. The mining sector has been seen as a male-dominated sector but this is changing. We value diversity and continue to increase the diversity in our company in all roles including leadership positions.

We are committed to providing the resources and opportunities for all our employees to develop and grow in their career.

We are focused on developing our young talent through the many programmes including the provision of bursaries and development opportunities within the workplace. We are proud of the young talent and our many young leaders both in South Africa and Madagascar.

To all of our local home-grown talent in Africa: we salute you for inspiring the youth in your communities and contributing to their tomorrow.

Chief executive, J-S Jacques visits Richards Bay Minerals

A skilled and diverse workforce is critical to our business performance and we’re committed to developing our people, both now and in the future

We have a variety of leadership programmes within the workplace

Manager, Engineering and Services

QIT Madagascar Minerals

QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) is a mineral sands operation based around an ilmenite orebody near Fort Dauphin, southern Madagascar. It comprises a mine, separation plant and port facilities. QMM is a partnership between Rio Tinto (80 per cent) and the Government of Madagascar (20 per cent).

The entire Fort Dauphin deposit contains nearly 70 million tonnes of ilmenite. This accounts for approximately ten per cent of the world market. The ilmenite mined in Madagascar contains 60 per cent titanium dioxide, making it a higher quality than most other global sources.

QMM will mine ilmenite from three locations over its expected 40-plus year operating life: Mandena, Ambatoantsinana and Petriky. QMM is committed to collaboration, excellence, vision, ingenuity, social responsibility, and performance.

QMM is committed to developing local talent and developing partnerships with local businesses. As at December 2017, QMM employs over 300 permanent workers from Fort Dauphin and 450 permanent workers from Madagascar as a whole. Additionally, QMM employs over 1,200 contract workers. In 2016, QMM spent over US$3.3 million in the local procurement of goods and services.

We aim to create opportunity through training and job opportunities, and more broadly make a positive socio-economic contribution to Madagascar.

the machinery. He also gained experience in plumbing and construction and went on to help operators and teams achieve production targets.

Heritiana’s first role at Rio Tinto was as a mechanic team leader.

“I led a team of 40 technicians employed at the workshop at the mine,” says Heritiana.

He gained valuable experienced and continued studying. His development saw him progress and today he is the engineering and services manager for QMM.

Heritiana’s role is to develop an asset management plan for the site and he works with a diverse cross-section of people at the mine.

Heritiana

I’ve been given many opportunities to learn and to apply my knowledge in different areas and at different levels of the organisation. From leading projects to being a champion of safety standards, the varied roles have helped me to develop my skills and grow.”

Andriamananiary Manager, Engineering and Services

Heritiana Andriamananiary, manager, Engineering and Services

Madagascar

Fernandez Bezafy: Mine manager

manager

Fernandez has worked for Rio Tinto in Madagascar for eight years and his first role was as a supervisor for Mine Infrastructure Services

His enthusiasm to take on new challenges and his good performance has seen this young civil engineer from Madagascar grow and develop.

Before joining Rio Tinto he worked at a construction company where he gained experience in maintaining infrastructure such as ports, roads and bridges.

When he joined Rio Tinto he says that he wanted to plan a career path.

“I decided to work on my development plan and I defined a clear road map.”

In his role as mining and operations superintendent, Fernandez gained experience and knowledge in safety and leadership. He was recently appointed as mine manager and looks after dredge mining, plant maintenance, wet plant concentrator and infrastructure services.

Fernandez says that Rio Tinto has offered him excellent opportunities to grow and increase his expertise.

“I’ve worked with diverse teams. This has given me an understanding about cultural diversity and improving the way I lead people.”

He also says that a focus on local talent development has allowed individuals to be in charge of their development plan aligned with the business strategy.

“There are many opportunities to learn on the job. I have also been coached and supported by mentors. There is also the online training available via Rio Tinto College.”

Asked about advice he had for young Africans starting their career he said:

“From my incredible journey with Rio Tinto I would say that there is much opportunity. There is space for growth by aligning your career development plan based on business needs.

“You also need to own your development actions. The competition within the mining industry is challenging but once you prepare yourself for the future and the opportunity appears, you are ready to compete.” ■

I’m a civil engineer and I started at Rio Tinto as a supervisor. Two years later I progressed to superintendent for Mine Infrastructure Services. At that time I was one of the first local talent appointed to this level of responsibility within the operations.”

Fernandez Bezafy Mine manager

Fernandez Bezafy, mine

MADAGASCAR

QMM employs over

South Africa

Ayanda Shabalala: Manager, Mineral Separation Plant

Richards Bay Minerals

The economic centre of the uThungulu District Municipality is Richards Bay. The area has a significant manufacturing sector and hosts five smelter operations including Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).

RBM is a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining and is South Africa’s largest mineral sands producer. We mine the vast mineral rich sands of the northern KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, the mine produces predominantly rutile, zircon, titania slag, titanium dioxide feedstock and high purity iron.

Rio Tinto holds a 74 per cent stake in RBM and manages the operations. Blue Horizon, a BBBEE consortium consisting of lead investors and the four host communities, owns a 24 per cent stake, while the remaining two per cent of the shares are held in an employee trust.

RBM contributes 50 per cent of KwaZulu-Natal’s mining sector by value of output and this represents around three per cent of the national mining sector output. RBM is also KwaZulu-Natal’s single largest taxpayer (contributing 70 per cent) and, in the last ten years, has contributed approximately five per cent of the province’s GDP.

RBM is mindful of the South African transformation agenda, is BEE compliant and procures locally. We employ and promote previously disadvantaged South Africans and create opportunity.

in-house programme designed to identify and develop future leaders of the business.

Ayanda is from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and has been with Rio Tinto for six years. He has a degree in chemical engineering and in applied metallurgy.

“In 2017 I enrolled for an MBA sponsored by Rio Tinto and I’ll finish my studies in 2018,” says Ayanda, who goes on to add that “Your career and development will not be served to you on a silver platter, you have to go after it and get it.”

Ayanda started at Rio Tinto as a process development metallurgist in 2012. Career growth and opportunities have seen him promoted to metallurgy superintendent and then more recently to operations manager for the Mineral Separation Plant.

His commitment to excellence has seen him make the most of the many opportunities. He says that he feels valued as an employee and proud to be associated with Rio Tinto.

“I think the sky is the limit. I’d encourage young Africans to enjoy every moment and

“Rio Tinto is a global company with opportunities in many countries. Do not limit your options to the African continent, spread your wings and make your mark in this world. Rio Tinto can provide you with that vehicle as a young African,” says Ayanda.

He says it is also important to take ownership of decisions.

“Always challenge the status quo, within the rule of law, and ask yourself if it can be done better.” ■

Rio Tinto is a global company with opportunities in many countries. Do not limit your options to the African continent, spread your wings and make your mark in this world. Rio Tinto can provide you with that vehicle as a young African.”

Ayanda Shabalala Manager, Mineral Separation Plant

RBM makes a significant contribution in the region through direct and indirect employment. RBM employs approximately 4,000 people with about half being permanent staff. Nearly 72 per cent of RBMs workforce is local and of the permanent employees nearly 40 per cent are from the four local mining communities.

Indirect employment in the region is also focused on keeping it local. A Preferential Procurement Strategy creates an enabling environment for increased procurement from local suppliers. In 2017, RBM traded with over 100 community suppliers and spent 40 per cent more on local procurement than in the previous year. There is a year-on-year increase in local spend, total number of local vendors and BBBEE spend. Community investment and educational activities have been priority areas for RBM. Between 2014 and 2016, RBM spent over US$6 million on community and education activities.

Dredging process, Richards Bay Minerals

Ayanda Shabalala, manager, Mineral Separation Plant

South Africa

Thandi Mazibuko: Manager, Mining Plants

Thandi grew up in a small community near Richards Bay Minerals in KwaZulu-Natal.

As a young child, when walking to school, she would see RBM vehicles driving past and she decided she wanted to work for the same company.

Little did she know that one day she would become the first African woman appointed to the position of manager, Mining Plants at RBM.

“It was my dream to work for Rio Tinto and here I am all these years later. When I joined the company I was a young girl with a vision. Through career growth and development opportunities offered by Rio Tinto, I have realised many of my goals,” says Thandi.

Some of these opportunities, says Thandi, have included being awarded a bursary for her undergraduate degree and being selected to participate in the African Leadership Institute’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2016 programme.

“The fellowship programme helped me to understand leadership better, how to interact with different people, and gave me a global

perspective. Of course meeting Desmond Tutu was a highlight as he has such great vision for Africa,” says Thandi.

Thandi is a metallurgist and her first role at RBM, in 2005, was as an assistant operator. She completed several leadership programmes and is currently doing a course with the Gordon Institute of Business Science through the Rio Tinto bursary scheme.

“Rio Tinto embraces and values diversity. As a woman in the mining industry it can be challenging but the company has ensured that woman are accepted and supported in the business. On my journey I have had good mentorship and coaching.”

Although there are many opportunities at Rio Tinto for career growth, Thandi says that it is also up to each person to make an effort and take initiatives.

“When it comes down to it, you need to make things happen. It’s about hard work, perseverance and determination.

“It’s also about the small things too, like speaking up at meetings when you have something to add.”

Thandi is passionate about mining operations and leadership. She says she enjoys being in a company where the views of employees are welcomed and people are encouraged to give input where something can be done better.

“For me, as an African, Rio Tinto’s values resonates with Ubuntu. Ubuntu is about respect, integrity, accountability and knowing a person can’t survive alone which is what team work is about. I’m fortunate to have found a company that is a good fit with my skills and my values.”

The fellowship programme helped me to understand leadership better, how to interact with different people, and gave me a global perspective. Of course meeting Desmond Tutu was a highlight as he has such great vision for Africa.”

Thandi Mazibuko Manager,

Mining Plants

Thandi Mazibuko, manager, Mining Plants

Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa

Theo Daling: Principal adviser, Mining Engineering

Daling, principal adviser, Mining Engineering

Theo gained underground experience in the mining industry and also worked at open pit operations in South Africa before joining Rio Tinto in 2008.

“My first role was as a planning engineer at Richards Bay Minerals taking care of infrastructure and tailings disposal. I am currently principal adviser, Mining Engineering, responsible for RBM’s long-term mine planning and design. This entails making use of geological, financial and statutory information to arrive at optimal mining methods and sequences that maximise the ore value.

“As the focus on resource and reserve governance increased, the role expanded more and more towards reserve reporting and reconciliation. I have also been privileged to work on various studies and reviews over the years,” says Theo.

Theo said that he has come to learn that he thrives in times of change and that he is goal orientated.

“I think that how you achieve goals can often be more important than the goal itself. I have learned that I really care about the people I work with and that it is all of our responsibility to make sure everyone goes home safely.

I grew up on a farm in the rural interior of South Africa. I started and completed my school years in the nearby town, Bela Bela, and went on to study mining engineering.”

Theo Daling Principal adviser, Mining Engineering

“As my career has advanced it has been very fulfilling to see the people working for and around me grow and improve. It is very rewarding to facilitate and provide space for someone to grow and develop as they expand their abilities and skills.” ■

Theo

Patrick Boitumelo: President and chief operating officer

I have the ability to drive team performance. I am extraordinarily energetic and focused on speed of execution. I gained leadership experience during my time as a lead in major restructuring and transformation management exercises in two different companies where I was required to lead multi-disciplinary teams,” Patrick Boitumelo

President and chief operating officer, Diavik

As a global company Rio Tinto has developed some of the world’s largest and best quality mines and operations with it’s people working in around 35 countries across six continents.

Rio Tinto supports home-grown talent and also gives employees the opportunity to gain experience in other countries.

Patrick’s journey from southern Africa to the US and then to Canada gives insight into this opportunity. He is a seasoned engineer and business process manager who has specialised in base metal processing plants and has built a wealth of experience in driving major transformation initiatives such as organisational restructuring.

He was born and bred in Botswana and holds a mineral process engineering degree from Leeds University, UK and a master of business leadership degree from the University of South Africa.

His career began in Botswana at a copper, nickel and cobalt mining company (Botswana Copper Limited) carrying out plant technical modifications and troubleshooting.

“I then moved on to a soda ash and salt producer where I implemented small scale technical projects. I rejoined the first mining company as a superintendent in the drying plants.

“It was during this time that I was appointed to the position of change manager to improve the efficiency of production plants and to lead the mine’s major reorganisation project,” said Patrick.

Patrick’s career was largely in Botswana between 1998 and 2011 before moving to South Africa and working for Palabora for four years as a general manager. He had held managerial positions for more than ten years at this point including as project manager, business strategy manager and business improvement specialist.

His strategic thinking, leadership qualities and strong experience saw him spread his wings and travel abroad. Patrick was appointed as the general manager, Projects and Contractor Management at Rio Tinto Kennecott in the US.

“I have the ability to drive team performance. I am extraordinarily energetic and focused on speed of execution. I gained leadership experience during my time as a lead in major restructuring and transformation management exercises in two different companies where I was required to lead multi-disciplinary teams,” says Patrick.

His skills were recognised and within a year he was promoted to the position of president and chief operating officer for Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada.

Patrick is responsible for overseeing the complete operation of Diavik Diamond Mine. The role will also spearhead the mission, vision and strategy for Diavik in line with the Rio Tinto priorities of safety, people, cash, partnership and growth.

The Diavik Diamond Mine, a world-class diamond mine, is located in one of the most remote and forbidding places in the world –220km south of the Arctic Circle and on the bed of a vast northern lake, Lac de Gras. A single road, built out of ice and crossing frozen lakes, connects the mine with other operations and Yellowknife, capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Patrick says that part of his role is also to look after relationships with the Aboriginal communities and the government. “Equally important are our community partnerships which generate employment, and significant business benefits to local communities, many of which are Aboriginal.

“We also invest locally through our community contribution programme and scholarships. Our objective is to operate sustainably and to be a responsible operator contributing positively.”

Patrick says that the challenges working globally have included understanding the culture of the operation and of the country.

“Addressing family-related transitional challenges while focusing on delivering at work and lack of family support structure than you normally would have in your home, are also challenges of working abroad,” says Patrick.

He said that Rio Tinto is a challenging and rewarding environment to work in.

“The key is to understand that if you work hard, and deliver on what you have promised, you will be rewarded and continue to learn and grow in the process. There are many opportunities at Rio Tinto.”

Diavik Diamond Mine, Canada