Dr Michael Akindeju

Chair

Michael is an avid innovator, an apt multidiscipline visionary, Chartered and Registered Professional Engineer, and a Certified Business Architect with background and over 30 years of cross boundary experiences—in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Resource & Mineral Processing, Nanoparticle Synthesis, Management, Public Sector, Policing, Banking and Finance—geared towards adding values to stakeholders.

Nick Kock

Past Chair

Nick is a Technical Director at Aurecon, assisting clients in investigating strategies to sustain their businesses through considered engagement.

James Othapile

Treasurer

James is a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Cape Town.

Saleem Varghese

Secretary

Saleem is a Senior Director at Worley, leading process technology development across the resources sector. His work is focused on research and development, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions to build innovated process technology solutions for customers.

Mamadou Balde

Webinar and Events Coordinator

Mamadou is a highly motivated leader with 15+ years of experience driving sustainable solutions and operational excellence across the entire mining and minerals value chain. His expertise lies in process engineering, project management, and leading high-performing teams to deliver exceptional results.

Simphiwe Zwane

Early Career Representative

Simphiwe Zwane is proudly an alumna of Vaal University of Technology, where she obtained degree in Chemical Engineering. Currently pursuing honors degree at the University of Johannesburg, her academic journey and advocacy work have instilled in her dedication to excellence and a drive to contribute to the advancement of the mining and minerals industry

Shuwenjun (Winnie) Ma

Early Career Representative

Winnie Ma is currently pursuing a dual specialization in Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy at the University of Queensland. Her passion lies in the field of metals and minerals; she eagerly embraces the technical and practical challenges associated with mineral processing, leveraging her chemical engineering knowledge.

Dr Pablo Brito-Parada

Committee member

Pablo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London.

Dylan van den Berg

Committee member

Dylan is a Chartered Chemical Engineer with Hatch.

Kayra Yigit

Committee member