Fossils by Firelight - GSSA Solid Gold Clients

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.