There is an increasing global demand for high-quality iron ore, a crucial raw material in steel production. As nations accelerate infrastructure development, urbanisation, and the transition to greener economies, the need for premium iron ore has never been more critical. Nompumelelo Mpumi Zikalala is solving this need.
Zikalala’s association with the mining industry began two decades ago when she embarked on her career as a Chemical Engineering bursar at Anglo-American. Her commitment and prowess led her to rise, and in 2007, she became the first female General Manager at De Beers’ Kimberley Mines.
In October 2021, Kumba Iron Ore announced Zikalala’s appointment as CEO, effective 1 January 2022. This historic appointment highlighted her exceptional capabilities and marked a significant milestone: She became the first woman to lead the company.
“It is a privilege to be appointed as CEO of Kumba. My focus will be to build on Kumba’s strong safety and operational performance track record, strengthening strategic partnerships and unlocking further value from the business,” Zikalala said.
Kumba Iron is a subsidiary of Anglo American and is a leading supplier of high-quality iron ore to the global steel industry. With operations primarily in South Africa, the company is renowned for its premium products, which are integral to global steel manufacturing. Kumba’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and community development has solidified its reputation as a responsible corporate entity.
Since assuming the CEO role, Nompumelelo Zikalala has been instrumental in steering Kumba toward notable growth and stability. Under her leadership, the company’s market capitalisation surged to $6.3 billion, and its net profit rose by 51.64% to $1.66 billion in February 2024.
Recognising the global demand for iron ore, Nompumelelo Zikalala has championed initiatives to boost Kumba’s production capabilities. In August 2024, Kumba announced an additional investment of 7.6 billion rand ($428 million) to upgrade its Sishen mine processing plant. This initiative aims to increase the production of premium-quality iron ore, enhancing the company’s competitiveness in the global market.
The company has maintained a robust operational stance despite rail constraints impacting production. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Kumba’s sales stood at 9.1 million tonnes, and its annual sales reached 36.3 million tonnes.
The C-suit executive is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion within the mining sector. She holds leadership roles in various organisations to promote gender equity. She ensures that Kumba Iron Ore thrives economically and contributes positively to societal advancement. With a dedicated team, the company has supplied over 17 billion litres of water to local communities as part of its corporate social responsibility to drive sustainability outcomes.
In addition to her role as CEO of Kumba, she actively engages in academia and public health initiatives. She is a trustee of the University of Johannesburg Trust, supporting educational advancement. Furthermore, she chairs the Private Sector Forum of the South African National AIDS Council, highlighting her commitment to societal well-being.
As Kumba continues to reach new heights, the world will always need steel, and steel will always need Kumba. With Nompumelelo Zikalala as the CEO, the company is positioned to remain a powerhouse in the iron ore industry.
