By Gloria Shoki
MMP Executive Director, Julie Courtnage, joined industry leaders and professionals at the Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) Symposium, held on 21–22 July 2026 at Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg, where discussions explored the changing role of leadership and the importance of putting people at the centre of the mining industry.
Courtnage contributed to the conversation by highlighting the value of leading with humanity and the role that empathy, connection and community play in creating workplaces where people can thrive.
Drawing on almost four decades of experience in the mining industry, Courtnage reflected on the changes she has witnessed, including the growing participation of women in traditionally male-dominated areas of the sector. While greater representation remains important, she emphasised that meaningful transformation also depends on how people engage with and support one another.
Her message challenged traditional perceptions of strong leadership as being defined primarily by authority, toughness and emotional detachment. Instead, leading with humanity recognises that empathy and accountability can coexist with decisiveness and strong leadership.
For MMP, a people-centred approach is particularly relevant in an industry undergoing significant technological and operational change. As new technologies and systems reshape the way mining is conducted, the human dimension remains central to how these changes are understood, adopted and experienced.
Leading with humanity can also contribute to stronger relationships between mining organisations, their employees and the communities in which they operate. Creating environments where people feel heard and respected can help build trust, support constructive communication and provide a stronger foundation for navigating conflict and change.
The WiMSA Symposium provided a platform for industry stakeholders to reflect on the role of women and leadership in shaping the future of mining. MMP’s participation reinforced the importance of recognising that a future-ready mining industry requires not only technological innovation, but also leadership that understands and values the people at the heart of the sector.
