Weir Minerals is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, empowering women in the mining industry. Recognising the unique perspectives and innovative ideas women bring to the sector, Weir promotes gender diversity through targeted recruitment, professional development programmes and supportive workplace policies. The company strives to create an environment where women can thrive, advance their careers and play pivotal roles in shaping the future of mining. 

Prenessa Pillay 

Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Cum Laude) and PMP certification, Pillay is Project Order Fulfilment Manager for Capital Projects in the pumps sector at Weir. She leads project engineers, communicates with key stakeholders and implements strategies for successful project execution. She chose the mining sector due to its diverse and challenging nature, and finds fulfilment in overcoming challenges while leading a team of engineers.

Inspired by Malala Yousafzai, Pillay admires her story and its resonance with many women, including herself. Her philosophy of embracing challenges with a “growth mindset” aligns with the resilient nature of the African mining industry. She encourages women to enter the mining sector, noting the significant strides in offering better working conditions and opportunities for women.

Miriam Diomandé

With a Master’s Degree in Management of Mining Activities, Petroleum and Energy, Diomandé is the Country Manager for Weir in Côte d’Ivoire. She supports efficient partnerships growing the customer portfolio across Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger and Togo. Initially driven by a desire to change the perception of mining as a male-exclusive job, Diomandé aims to open doors for other women, encouraging them to believe in themselves without limits.

She finds fulfilment in the exposure and openness her work brings, allowing her to think outside the box. She draws inspiration from Didier Drogba, Côte d’Ivoire’s emblematic football player, who demonstrated the importance of impacting and improving one’s environment rather than seeking prestige elsewhere. Diomandé believes everything happens for a reason and presents an opportunity to be seized. She encourages others to see that no doors are truly closed; some may just need to be pushed open to create new opportunities.

Natalie Sithembiso Makhanya 

Serving as Weir Aftermarket Manager for Comminution Products, Makhanya has a BTECH in Mechanical Engineering. She oversees sales and support of aftermarket products and services, focusing on enhancing customer relationships and driving revenue through spare parts and maintenance services. Makhanya’s decision to enter the mining sector stems from her childhood fascination with constructing and understanding things, which led her mother to enrol her in a technical school. There, her passion for machinery and equipment deepened.

She finds fulfilment through the positive feedback she receives from customers, both external and internal, regarding her customer service skills. She admires Kumba Iron Ore CEO Nompumelelo Zikalala, believing that meeting her could inspire and empower women in mining by offering insights into leadership and opportunities for growth. Makhanya’s life philosophy is "Surely, it can always be done better," and she encourages women in, or aspiring to enter, the mining sector to embrace this mindset for continuous improvement, innovation and excellence.

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