SAIMM Branches Chairpersons 2024

Limpopo Branch - Steven Zulu

Mxolisi Steven Zulu is an accomplished Metallurgical Technical Manager with extensive expertise in extraction metallurgy and technology management. He holds a National Diploma and a B.Tech. in Extraction Metallurgy from the University of Johannesburg, as well as an M.Sc. and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Technology Management from the University of Pretoria. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Management of Technology & Innovation.

Steven’s career is marked by significant contributions to the mining and metallurgical sectors. As a legal appointee for Safety, Health, and Environmental compliance, he has overseen critical operations including production, budgeting, and cost reduction initiatives. His leadership in metallurgical optimisation and recovery improvement projects has yielded substantial results, including the successful design and commissioning of the MIG and Chrome Recovery Plants at Modikwa Concentrator.

In academia, Steven is deeply involved in mentoring and supervising graduate students, chairing career development panels, and collaborating with various academic institutions. He has organised multiple colloquia and symposia for professionals in the mining and metallurgy fields.

His research interests have culminated in several published papers, focusing on the strategic competitiveness of the South African mining industry in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Steven's publications highlight the importance of organisational capabilities in adopting new technologies and advancing the sector.

A member of multiple professional organisations, including the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Mine Metallurgical Managers Association, he currently serves as the Chair of the SAIMM Limpopo Branch. Steven’s commitment to professional development is evident in his active participation in workshops, courses, and conferences.

With a strong foundation in metallurgy and a keen understanding of technology management, Mxolisi Steven Zulu continues to be a leading figure in his field, dedicated to innovation and excellence in metallurgical practices.

SAIMM Branch Chairpersons

Zimbabwe Branch - Lloyd Shamu

Lloyd Shamu is a highly qualified process engineer with over 30 years of experience in mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy. He currently holds the position of Head of Technical at Mimosa Platinum Mine in Zimbabwe. His diverse background includes project management, metallurgical testing, flowsheet and process development, as well as plant design and the startup, expansion, and commissioning of new mining operations, alongside the management of existing ones.

Throughout his career, Lloyd has taken on various operational and technical roles, advancing to leadership and executive positions within plant, concentrator, and project processes. He has developed substantial expertise in the extraction of precious metals, base metals, and chrome smelting, gained from his work in mines, smelters, and on new projects. His management skills have been further honed through experience in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments, both locally and regionally.

Lloyd is also actively involved in several industrial boards for tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe, currently serving as the board chairperson for the Chemical Engineering department at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). He is a member of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), and is a registered professional engineer with the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe.

Lloyd is married to Tracy, and they have three sons: Leon Nicholas, Lennon Takudzwa, and Ryan Kudzaiishe.

Zambia Branch - Nathan Mukulakasuba Kazembe

Eng. Nathan Mukulakasuba Kazembe is a Professional Mining Engineer; having started his mining career in the Zambian Copper Industry in both underground and open pit then went into projects. Nathan has over 15 years of experience in projects in the mining industry in Zambia, DRC and Tanzania.

His focus and expertise is Project Engineering & Operations Management. Nathan is a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) and Member of the Charted Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). He is a Member of Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and Association of Consulting Engineers (ACEZ).

Nathan is currently the Country Manager for Zambia for Rolls Royce Solutions Africa, past Operations Manager for Master Drilling Zambia and is Director & Co-founder of K-Squared PD Limited. He is past Chairperson of the Kitwe Branch of the Engineering Institute of Zambia, as well as past Member of the F&A Committee of the EIZ.

He is currently sits on the Engineering Fund Committee as Vice Chairperson.

Nathan holds a Bachelors degree in Mining Engineering (UNZA), PGDip in Project Management from University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), Masters of Business Administration (UNZA) and is pursuing his MSc in Mining Engineering part time.

He is a married to Stephanie with 3 Boys and enjoys rugby, construction, travelling, and community work and was Past Roundtable Zambia President.