Mpumi Zikalala

CEO Kumba Iron Ore

Mpumi Zikalala is the CEO of Kumba Iron Ore and Chairman of the operating entity, Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd. Mpumi started her career at De Beers in 2001 as a process engineer and held various leadership roles within production management. In 2007, she was appointed General Manager at De Beers Kimberley Mines, becoming the first female General Manager in the De Beers Group. In 2010, she was appointed General Manager of De Beers Voorspoed Mine and in 2013 became Senior Vice-President of De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa. Mpumi was promoted to Deputy CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines in 2017 and to Managing Director, De Beers Group Managed Operations, in 2019, covering operations in South Africa and Canada.

Mpumi holds a BSc in chemical engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and completed a leadership development programme at the London Business School.

2025 Agenda Sessions

Unlocking South Africa’s energy and logistics for a sustainable mining future

Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane is joined by Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips and Eskom CEO Dan Marokane for an in-depth discussion of the operating environment for mining in South Africa.

The work done jointly through the Presidency between the private sector, government departments and state-owned companies has started yielding positive results in the supply of electricity.

The focus is now on restoring Transnet rail and port services to capacity by including the private sector. Mining is a major user of the services provided by Eskom and Transnet.

The three CEOs will be joined by Mpumi Zikalala, Kumba Iron Ore CEO, as they explore the successes, challenges and opportunities for all three sectors in a discussion moderated by Minerals Council Chief Economist Hugo Pienaar.

Tuesday 04 February 14:00 - 15:00 CTICC1

Industry Intel

Add to calendar 02/04/2025 14:00 02/04/2025 15:00 Unlocking South Africa’s energy and logistics for a sustainable mining future Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane is joined by Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips and Eskom CEO Dan Marokane for an in-depth discussion of the operating environment for mining in South Africa.

The work done jointly through the Presidency between the private sector, government departments and state-owned companies has started yielding positive results in the supply of electricity.

The focus is now on restoring Transnet rail and port services to capacity by including the private sector. Mining is a major user of the services provided by Eskom and Transnet.

The three CEOs will be joined by Mpumi Zikalala, Kumba Iron Ore CEO, as they explore the successes, challenges and opportunities for all three sectors in a discussion moderated by Minerals Council Chief Economist Hugo Pienaar. CTICC1 Africa/Johannesburg

Iron ore: Green infrastructure catapults Africa into a new era

Session is sponsored by Ivanhoe Atlantic

Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)

Could Africa become the green infrastructure capital of the world?
What is iron ore's role In achieving this?
A key driver in delivering true economic wealth and building great and financially strong African nations

Wednesday 05 February 16:40 - 17:30 CTICC1

Disruptive Discussions

Add to calendar 02/05/2025 16:40 02/05/2025 17:30 Iron ore: Green infrastructure catapults Africa into a new era

Session is sponsored by Ivanhoe Atlantic

Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)

Could Africa become the green infrastructure capital of the world?
What is iron ore's role In achieving this?
A key driver in delivering true economic wealth and building great and financially strong African nations

CTICC1 Africa/Johannesburg

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