Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Gesels by die koffietafel >> March 2009
The R1,3 billion project which the development of this mine, officially opened on 4 November 2008, comprises, is currently by far the biggest single development project in the Free State. Not only within its surrounding region of Kroonstad and the Lejweleputswa District, but also in the province and even beyond, Voorspoed Mine is having a significant socio-economic impact.
The planning of and operations at the mine is by all relevant standards state of the art and is acknowledged as an exemplary case of modern mining in South Africa. At the centre of this planning and operational set-up, is Andy Taylor. We kick off by first asking this affable and down to earth, but clearly no-nonsense, man about his roots.
Where were your born and bred? I was born in a town called Burnley, which is in north of England.
Schooling? I did my O'levels at Edge End High School and then did A'levels at Nelson and Colne College.
Tertiary education? I obtained an Honours degree (BEng) in Mineral Processing Engineering at the Camborne School of Mines, England.
Brief career sketch up unto Voorspoed Mine? At the very young and inexperienced age of 22 in 1987, I left England to take up a position of Graduate Metallurgist with Anglo American at the then Western Deep Levels Gold Mine near Carltonville. I was seconded to De Beers in 1992 and transferred to Namibia where I worked for Namdeb in Oranjemund. Since then I have worked for De Beers at Finsch Mine (twice), Jwaneng Mine in Botswana, Kimberley and now Voorspoed.
Voorspoed must have been a huge challenge and a career pinnacle for you up to now? Yes, definitely. Not many people get the opportunity to start up a new mine and I am very appreciative of De Beers allowing me this fantastic experience.
Give us in a concise nutshell an overview of Voorspoed Diamond Mine? Voorspoed Mine is the first mine to be opened by De Beers since it became a fully empowered BEE company and is the first diamond mine in South Africa to be operated under a New Order Mining Right. The mine is making use of today's proven De Beers technology, which will allow it to treat the very competent kimberlite ore. However, what will set Voorspoed Mine apart from any other mine, is its people. It is this that will make Voorspoed a benchmark mine not just for De Beers, but for the South African mining industry in general.
You have some unique human resources features at the Mine – just mention some examples? All our employees have a minimum Matric qualification, and were selected after a very intensive recruitment and assessment process. We have far exceeded the Mining Charter requirements when it comes to Employment Equity. Currently 36% of our workforce are females, with 25% of these occupying technical positions, i.e. "women in mining", and over 70% of our management and professional positions are filled by HDSA. Finally, over 50% of our workforce is younger than 30. This means we have a young, dynamic and diverse workforce which is already setting new standards of performance!
What does Andy Taylor do when he wants his mind off mining? I like to relax with my family at home, and enjoy cooking (and eating!). If not at home, then away at some new and interesting destination as I enjoy travelling.
Family life? I am married to Marisa, who grew up in the Orkney / Klerksdorp area and we have one son, Christopher, now 14.
Preferences as to sport – partaking / watching / supporting? I was a keen soccer player, and when I first came out to South Africa, I played for Western Transvaal in two Currie Cups. I am now very much an armchair sports fan, but do enjoy cycling and walking.
Favourite food? Marisa is half Italian, so it is definitely pasta, although I do enjoy Thai and Chinese.
Music? I have a very wide and varied taste in music and it is easier to say what I don't like - which is rap of any kind and American hip-hop / soul!
Business philosophy in a nutshell? Nobody can do everything themselves, so make sure you get the right people in place from the start - then get out of their way and offer support when asked (I am still working on this aspec!)
Philosophy of life, again in a nutshell? Don't take yourself too seriously - life is too short not to enjoy it!
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