Episodes

  • At the Coalface

    At the Coalface
    Mar 25 2025
    Today’s guests Nico Denner, Bob Hatherly, Peet Meyer, and Karin van Deventer talk about their extensive careers in coal with host Sifiso Siwela.
    We explore the challenges facing the coal industry, the evolution of mining practices, the future of coal in energy production (particularly in light of global shifts towards renewable energy), the importance of proper training and education and mentorship for younger geologists, and so much more. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Platinum - the good, the bad, and the ugly

    Platinum - the good, the bad, and the ugly
    Feb 17 2025
    Hosts Noleen Pauls and Sifiso Siwela talk to three professionals who cut their teeth in the platinum industry. From fixing drill rigs to 2,000m underground to MBAs and future opportunities, Dennis Hoffman, Gordon Chunnett and Ken Lomberg covered it all. Our guests also emphasised the importance of underground experience for young geologists, and the evolving role of geologists in mining operations. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director

    From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director
    Jun 8 2023
    In this episode, intrepid explorers Dr Humphrey Mathe, James Campbell, and Oliver Barker talk to hosts Sifiso Siwela and Noleen Pauls about cold showers, actual drilling experiences, books on walls, and broken diamonds. We trace the paths from their early days in the field and what it takes to become inspiring leaders.

    Guests: Dr Humphrey Mathe (Tranter Exploration (Pty) Limited l CEO), James Campbell (Botswana Diamonds l MD), Oliver Barker (Banzi Geotechnics l Director) GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand

    The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand
    May 13 2022
    In this episode Noleen Pauls and fellow host Kathryn James-Kleynhans delve into the birth of Johannesburg and the role played by gold and the early prospectors, with renowned geologists Prof Bruce Cairncross, Prof Gillian Drennan, Prof Richard Viljoen and Frank Gregory. Our geological heroes also discuss the importance of preserving this history, before looking forward and how to equip future geologists with the tools needed to keep the spotlight and lustre on Witwatersrand gold. Connect with Katherine · Connect with Bruce · Connect with Gillian · Connect with Noloeen · Connect with Richard Viljoen · Connect with Frank Gregory · GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Diamonds are Forever

    Diamonds are Forever
    Feb 2 2022
    The high pressure path and tenacity of the rough diamonds.

    Today, Sifiso Siwela and Tania Marshall (GSSA president and a diamond legend in her own right) talk to Mike de Wit, John Ward, and Renato "Spaggs" Spaggiari all three distinguished geological heroes in the diamond fields.

    Mike, John, Spaggs and Tania share stories of navigating unchartered territories in the pursuit of the precious stones.

    They also share learnings, memories, interesting stories and open up about valuable lessons learnt.

    The heroes share gems on the grit, resilience and basic exploration skills required by the young geologists to be able discover the now rare diamond deposits, even with all available technology. The guests finally emphasise the importance of having boots on the ground. Connect with John · Connect with Renato · Connect with Mike · Connect with Tania · Connect with Sifiso · GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • The Big Five (or Six or Seven) Houses that shaped South African Mining

    The Big Five (or Six or Seven) Houses that shaped South African Mining
    Oct 29 2021
    Working as geologists during the glory days of the big mining houses.

    Guests: Richard Viljoen, Frank Gregory, Ron Hieber, Phil Bentley, Roy Corrans and Derek Kyle.

    In this episode our five distinguished geological legends talk to hosts Noleen and Sifiso about their time working for the big mining houses.

    We explore the internal working of these companies and aspects such as training and mentorship. And we touch on the role of the then Chamber of Mines.

    Our guests chronicle their geological paths and how they navigated the tough but exciting mining industry to become 'rock stars'.

    They also share learnings, memories, interesting stories and open up about valuable lessons learnt. GSSA Website · Connect with Ron · Connect with Phil · Connect with Roy · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Welcome to Fossils by Firelight

    Welcome to Fossils by Firelight
    Sep 18 2021
    Welcome to fossils by firelight - a series of conversations with South Africa's geological legends where they unearth their discoveries, their learnings, memories, interesting stories (and maybe a few tall tales) to chronicle our history and inspire the next generation of geological heroes. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube
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    4 mins