A self-described maths nerd, Debbie Erasmus grew up in a South African gold mining town surrounded by tailings dams and mining shafts. Today, she reflects on her journey with a message for her younger self:
“If I could speak to my younger self, I would say: you can do it one day too! Keep dreaming and never give up..”
Debbie now serves as Practice Lead Process Engineering—Technology Development at South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, producing commodities critical to a low-carbon world. Her role is as dynamic as it is impactful: she investigates emerging processing technologies that enhance safety, reduce ecological footprints, and improve water and energy efficiency.
Following a generational mining legacy and finding her own feet
Debbie grew up in a mining family and established a successful mining career. However, she only recently discovered how long this history extended.
“My dad worked in the South African gold mines, and my grandfather worked in gold and platinum mines. It was only when my dad passed away earlier this year that I discovered both my great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather are recorded as ‘coal miners’ from Scotland on old marriage and birth certificates. That makes me the fifth generation in my family (that I know of) to work in mining.”
Twenty-seven years ago, at the start of Debbie’s mining career, things were different – it was tough. After graduating in chemical engineering in South Africa, entering the industry was a baptism of fire:
“Sexual harassment, rudeness, ill-fitting PPE, men refusing to talk to me in English (insisting I speak Afrikaans), no female toilets on the plant – I could go on! But throughout each challenge, I discovered who I am. I learned what I would tolerate, what I would not, and how to set boundaries. I learned the power of using my voice to create change.”
Building on this positive dimension was the valuable experience she gained. Her first role was as a metallurgist, as part of a beneficial graduate training program, where she worked in various operational roles at different processing plants.
“The operation where I worked treated old tailings dams, recovering residual gold and sulfur. These were the same dams my grandfather’s mines had produced many years ago. I’ve always loved the feeling of following in the footsteps of my forebears.”
She continued to expand her experience working on processing and flotation projects, designing plants and process design packages for projects worldwide.
“I was bitten by the ‘processing technology bug’ and was keen to gain exposure to different metals. I joined a large mining company’s process technology department, getting involved in their complex base metal refinery plant expansion. It allowed me to work with various technologies, including autoclaves, solvent extraction, electrowinning, crystallisation, hydrometallurgical technologies, and more. I was also part of the team that developed the world’s first full-deposit, semi-automated nickel tank house.”
Discover how South32 is committed to creating a positive, innovative, and enduring impact and supports women in leading this change.
Exploring a new phase of life
Having built a solid career foundation, 16 years ago, Debbie and her husband welcomed their first child and second a year later.
“I also managed to complete my master’s degree in hydrometallurgy (although I’m not sure how I did it!). I usually tell people I delivered three babies in two years – my two children and my thesis.”
When her children were young, she worked reduced hours to spend more time with them. Getting the balance right, understandably, took some adjustment.
“My husband and I share household work and childcare responsibilities – we understand the importance of teamwork. It can be impossible to achieve the perfect balance, so it’s more of a work in progress. Life is always busy. South32’s flexible working approach has supported us in managing life’s demands as a team.”
They were both eager to live and work in another country, so they secured new roles and relocated to Perth. Here, Debbie joined a specialist metallurgical lab and continued to gain exposure to new technology and commodities, such as rare earths. She also spent time as a contractor, working with even more diverse metals.
“In 2020, I was offered a role in South32’s newly formed technology development team. This launched my journey with this amazing team, working to ensure the company’s ‘Next Gen Mine’ aspirations become a reality.”
Contributing to a better tomorrow
Debbie works closely with processing teams to support their work on future greenfield sites, exploring innovative technology solutions. Her work closely aligns with her beliefs about creating a better future:
“The work is diverse and allows me to engage with our mining peers in other organizations and sites. For instance, we evaluated novel nickel processing technologies. We also worked with a metallurgical team to test a conveyor ore sensor for potential use. I believe we can process metals better; we have an obligation to our employees, families, and the communities we operate in to keep exploring and pushing the boundary of how technology can improve mining.”
Debbie believes, and we can agree, that the planet’s future success depends on people continuing to learn, do better, save water, protect animals, and support other critical environmental pillars. She’s proud to have developed a career exploring novel processing technology that will continue to grow.
“Ensuring our company is looking forward and investigating future-focused processing opportunities is important to me. I’m proud of my team’s relationships with our sites and other functional teams, and I love the opportunity to continue my family’s mining legacy. Improvement is always possible and is always necessary. I’m inspired by the potential of technology to remove hazardous chemicals in processing and people from harm.”
Creating a legacy of her own
Though Debbie has discovered a strong purpose in continuing her family’s legacy, she’s also excited to create one of her own, and is enjoying finding success as part of a strong team:
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned the incredible value of good people – men and women willing to be allies and champions for others, stand up for what’s right, and stick by your side. My direct manager, for one, is a true leader who effectively manages our team’s growth and stability. My team, too, is incredibly supportive. I feel like we can always talk openly about any issues and work together. I’d love to leave a legacy of connection, collaboration, and communication with various people across the global sites that comprise our processing network. I hope to instill a willingness for the next generation of process engineers to embrace and explore innovation. I look forward to continuing to mentor, share learnings, and offer support to younger engineers.”
She is currently working on a project to deliver a demonstration plant and supporting other technology development projects – such as projects that produce zero tailings (showing that it’s possible!).
“Your history is a foundation, not a map. Drawing inspiration from others’ legacies while building something uniquely yours is possible. Don’t give up when life doesn’t go according to plan. Use these experiences to learn more about yourself. It’s up to you to create your own story.”
