With plans to step down at the end of the year, following a successful career in the mining sector, Harmony Gold CEO and executive director Peter Steenkamp has reflected on his career.

In a conversation with Joburg Indaba chairperson and mining luminary Bernard Swanepoel on the first day of the Joburg Indaba on October 2, Steenkamp discussed challenges, successes and the lessons learnt during his career.

During the conversation, Steenkamp discussed topics such as acquisitions, leadership skills, as well as changes in the mining sector throughout his career.

“For me, it was really a career that I loved from the day I started . . . from running these big underground mines, and then obviously later on working with the people that we have in industry. So I did enjoy every moment of that,” he said.

Steenkamp also discussed Harmony’s investments in South Africa, including the company’s extension of mine life projects, as well new projects locally and abroad.

He noted that the Wafi-Golpu and Hidden Valley projects, in Papua New Guinea, could potentially be extended for a longer period, adding that the company was also developing the Eva Copper mine, in Australia.

“We've been very disciplined in terms of making sure [that] whatever we buy must be better quality than what we have.”

Describing South Africa as an attractive investment destination, Steenkamp explained that Harmony planned to continue investing in South Africa and extending the lives of its existing mines.

“We’ve never shied away from operating in South Africa,” he said, noting that, while gold reserves were depleting, there was a market for platinum and coal, among other minerals and metals.

He attributed Harmony’s success over the years to creating margins, being consistent and delivering on promises.

Steenkamp also explained that the company was investing in renewable energy to combat the issue of high energy costs.

As previously reported in Mining Weekly, Steenkamp was inducted into the Joburg Indaba Mining Hall of Fame this year. The Hall of Fame recognises key individuals who have significantly influenced the South African mining sector over many years.

Sharing his plans for the future, Steenkamp expressed that he still plans to be involved in the industry moving forward.

In closing, Swanepoel said Steenkamp was a “fantastic role model” for the industry.