'Leadership in the mineral sciences industry' was the main topic at the 3rd Career and Leadership Conference of the Young Professionals Council (YPC), organised by the student societies of the University of Pretoria's departments of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering and Mining Engineering earlier this year.

At the event, which was held in the Engineering 3 Building on the University's Hatfield Campus, young people met with leaders in mining and metallurgy to discuss topics shaping the future of the industry. Sponsors included the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and Sanlam.

The objectives of the conference, which takes place at a different university every year on a rotating basis, are to expose students to challenges they may face in leadership in the future and to offer them the opportunity to give inputs on leadership within the industry. Networking among future and current leaders is also highlighted.

Attendees at this event agree that they left the conference more informed about the working environment and better prepared to take up the leadership reigns in years to come. Dominic Engelbrecht, one of the young organisers from the University of Pretoria, says, 'friendships were made and networks created that will benefit all of us going forward'.

From left: Mr Pule Dikgwatlhe (UNISA Mining Engineering HOD), Lefa Tsibane (UP Metallurgical Engineering student), Juan Ahlers (UP Mining Engineering student),  Karabo Mphahlele (UJ Metallurgical Engineering student), Tefo Mokhine (Wits Mining Engineering student), Dr Elizabeth Makhatha (UJ Metallurgical Engineering HOD)