Resident Nokukhanya Cele, a Junior Metallurgist, is part of a growing group of women professionals helping to modernise metallurgical practices within South Africa’s mining sector.

Her work combines technical expertise, collaborative problem-solving and a strong focus on continuous improvement.

• ALSO READ: Echoes of Krugersdorp: The early mining days of Krugersdorp

Originally from Kagiso, she works at the Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) Plant.

Although metallurgical work is often associated with laboratory environments, Cele’s daily responsibilities are closely linked to plant performance. Her role involves analysing process data and supporting on-site optimisation efforts to improve efficiency and help operations meet production targets, while consistently maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and discipline.

“Metallurgy is the art and science of working with metals, but in a plant environment, it also involves working with people – collaborating closely with operators, engineers, and technicians, and building a shared understanding of what the process requires on any given day,” Cele explained.

Her responsibilities include both investigation and hands-on intervention. When performance issues arise, such as lower recovery rates or changes in the characteristics of feed material, she works with her team to identify root causes and test possible solutions.

“It’s about having an investigative mindset and a methodical approach to conducting experiments,” she said.

You quickly learn that collaboration is essential. Improving a process cannot be done in isolation.”

Cele emphasised that the role of the modern metallurgist extends beyond traditional recovery measurements. As the mining industry faces increasing pressure to improve performance while reducing waste and minimising environmental impact, metallurgical innovation has become closely linked to sustainability.

Modern metallurgists aim to extract maximum value while generating less waste.

“For me, innovation and efficiency go hand in hand. My passion lies in improving process efficiency through innovation,” she said.

Her career path reflects both strong academic dedication and personal resilience. After completing her Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Cele joined Evander Gold Mine in 2023 as an undergraduate trainee in a two-year programme. After completing the programme, she was appointed as a Junior Metallurgist at MTR in December last year.

Raised by her aunt, Cele attributes her success to perseverance and the importance of education – values that continue to guide her professional development. She also recognises that, despite ongoing progress, the engineering and mining sectors can still present challenges for women.

Her advice to young women interested in careers in science and engineering is practical and realistic: persistence, careful planning, and mentorship are essential.

“The journey may not be easy,” she said, “but with perseverance, a clear plan, and the right mentorship, it is possible to build a meaningful career and contribute to the future of mining.”