Introducing: Mashudu Lembede
Give us a quick introduction about you:
My name is Mashudu Lembede, and I work at Bureau Veritas as the Metals and Minerals Market Leader for Africa. I oversee and organize the mining market sector network for all commodities at Bureau Veritas Africa. By knowing the clients' business needs, I develop marketing and sales strategies to expand into relevant areas. As an account manager in the market, I am able to assure client satisfaction across the mining sector. I also define marketing actions to be launched (events, mailings, newsletters), perform market research and competitive strategies and work with marketing teams to develop content for targeted markets.
In a few words, could you describe your career path?
I have over 17 years of experience in testing, inspection and certification, as well as the mining industry. I was previously the Country Chief Executive for Bureau Veritas Zambia, and before that, I was the Regional Head of Sales for Bureau Veritas Southern Africa.
I started my career as a geologist in the platinum and coal industries before joining Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories' commodities business development team.
With a Masters of Management degree in Strategic Marketing from Wits Business School and a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Geology from the University of the Witwatersrand, I am enthusiastic about education and inspiring others to reach their full potential.
Could you describe your position and work at Metals & Minerals Team on BV?
Mining in Africa has developed extensively over the past few centuries, reaching exponential proportions in the past few decades. The growth of the mining industry in recent years has expedited the need for efficient processes from exploration to production. These include strict quality controls, mining production optimization, as well as professional equipment that meets the most remote of mines’ needs and sustains all weather conditions.
Turnkey solutions have taken center stage in an environment where good corporate governance and regulatory standards are paramount in safeguarding the production of quality metals and minerals. These require credible and trustworthy testing and inspections professional bodies that meet the needs of the mining industry and clients alike.
My role is to ensure that Bureau Veritas in Africa provides professional expertise to support the mining industry with the knowledge, skills and experience base that leverages the capabilities within our Group. This foundation has been built on decades of successful laboratory operations, focused primarily on the analysis of mineral samples. It promotes the need to deliver successful projects, be it upstream or downstream, in a sustainable manner.
Could you explain the M&M BV services alignment with sustainability goals?
Sustainability in mining is essential to ensure we meet tomorrow’s needs and provide a legacy for generations to come. We support our clients’ ESG roadmap through the implementation of CLARITY, a tool to measure the mine’s key performance indicators (KPIs). CLARITY measures these KPIs through the completion of their sustainability strategy with respect to their commitments and the assessment of their improvement, among other factors. We monitor the sustainability targets regularly to ensure goals are met.
Sustainability lies at the core of our business strategy across all our various offerings. From a client perspective, sustainability is an absolute and laboratories face being shut down if practices are non-compliant. The organization supports a wide range of sectors. These range from environmental, to social, health and safety, biodiversity, business ethics, responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, waste management, climate change and animal welfare.
What do you enjoy the most about working in the M&M sector?
Working with and supporting clients, and witnessing projects progress from initial exploration to full operation, is a very rewarding experience. I have had the honor of being involved in such projects. The mining and minerals (M&M) sector plays a crucial role in society, particularly in the transition towards more sustainable energy sources. Supporting mining clients in this responsibility is what I enjoy most, especially while working within Bureau Veritas.
Bureau Veritas is passionate about uplifting the communities in which it operates. When we set up On-site Mining Laboratories, we actively develop talent from local communities, empowering them in the process. Social responsibility is highly valued in the mining industry, with exciting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that ensure long-term investment in the communities. With an extensive footprint across Africa, the company is able to provide skills and expertise even in the most remote locations, recruiting the best management teams to support its mining clients.
This work aligns with my personal values of people and community development, leading to a positive societal impact. It is a very rewarding role that allows me to contribute to the important transition towards sustainability in the M&M sector.
What would you say to someone considering a career at BV?
They must go for it because it is gratifying. The impact that BV has on the globe and society gives a feeling that one is contributing to something larger than a great job, but one that is rewarding since it makes a difference in the world.
Improving mining efficiencies through game-changing mining innovation can assist mining companies. Bureau Veritas not only fulfills today's market expectations, but also positions them for long-term success. The organization's extensive global footprint positions the company as a trusted partner with a solid foundation across its networks, ensuring resilience and adaptability; this means there is always something new to learn at Bureau Veritas.