Due to VBKOM’s diverse pool of expertise, we can offer our clients specialised skills within a one-stop-shop culture. Our engineering, risk and project management capabilities as well as simulation and decision support expertise, makes us an ideal partner to the mining, petro-chemical, agricultural and construction industries.
Our focus on long-term client relationships combined with our technical skills ensures that our clients can fully optimise their value chain.
The VBKOM Geological Consulting Services focus on high-quality geological input in all aspects of Mineral Resource definition.
We live in a world where data is abundant in the project environment, and it is key to extract intelligence from the project that serves the various forums and stakeholders of the project.
We offer a wide variety of services to the mining industry, ranging from specific equipment to overall mining system requirements.
The need for raw minerals worldwide is vast, and with the drive within the energy transition, the need for what is deemed as vital for world economies.
Our metallurgical expertise optimises mineral extraction, identifies niche markets and maximises client value.
The VBKOM Risk Management team understands and manages uncertainties by systematically identifying possible hazards in a work process.
Mineral exploration is essential for identifying and developing new, economically concentrated mineral deposits to sustain material demands.
We focus on optimising the extraction of minerals, identifying niche markets and supplying independent, fit-for-purpose solutions to maximise value for our clients.
We can help you calculate your carbon footprint, and determine the environmental impact of your operations.
Our multi-skilled team delivers expert solutions across the mining value chain, optimising plant performance through comprehensive plant audits and reviews.
Operational readiness is the function within a project that represents the project owner's interests.
Mineral Resource Auditing helps to ensure data quality meets reporting codes, reducing risk for transactions and mine development.
We focus on improving and integrating people, processes, technology, and infrastructure on mining- and capital-intensive projects and operations.
VBKOM offers training solutions to the mining and capital-intensive industries that can assist our clients in the planning of resource employment, training, and skills development.
Critical minerals are metallic and non-metallic mineral resources that are deemed to be vital to world economies, and South Africa has a part to play.
VBKOM offers comprehensive technical report services for the mining industry. We specialize in compliant CPRs (SAMREC & JORC) and Technical Reports (NI 43-101 & S-K 1300) across various commodities.
Our approach to strategy development involves a systematic and organised process to achieve specific goals, including informed resource allocation, adaptation to change, and effective decision-making.
We are well versed in the Reporting requirements and terminologies for all major Reporting Codes, including SAMREC (2016), JORC (2012) and NI 43-101.
We focus on optimising the extraction of Coal, identifying niche markets and supplying independent, fit-for-purpose solutions to maximise value for our clients.
We focus on optimising the extraction of Gold, identifying niche markets and supplying independent, fit-for-purpose solutions to maximise value for our clients.
VBKOM delivers value-creating projects through the utilization of internationally accredited Project Managers with cross-disciplinary (technical and industry) experience backed by industry accreditation, participation, and affiliation.
Expert Mineral Asset Valuations: Independent and objective assessments for informed decision-making in the mining industry.
We focus on optimising the extraction of PGMs, identifying niche markets and supplying independent, fit-for-purpose solutions to maximise value for our clients.
Data management and reporting are integral aspects of handling and utilizing data effectively.
Mineral Resource estimation assesses the quality and quantity of a mineralised orebody of economic interest.
We evaluate the options and scenarios for optimal decision-making. Project and operational situations typically present multiple potential options and decision alternatives, each with varying degrees of probability, associated risk or potential success.
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Growing up in Thabazimbi, George wanted to become a fighter pilot, but after meeting Oom Koos Cronje, a previous General Manager of Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine, decided to venture into mining engineering.
After graduating from the University of Pretoria in 1999, George began his career in the mining industry as an underground coal miner at Tshikondeni Colliery in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.
In 2008, George was part of the team that founded VBKOM. He says that some of the most satisfying moments of his career is “Experiencing so many different projects and project teams, being able to see many mines in many different parts of South Africa and the African continent. It is also very satisfying to mentor young colleagues that join VBKOM.”
George would love to meet Patrice Motsepe, and George says “He (Motsepe) has the skill to identify value.”
George is also a family man and has three “incredibly smart and cute children” with his wife, Christel. Christel has been one of George’s biggest anchors, and one of his greatest influencers in achieving greatness.
George enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to foreign countries, and playing squash. George is looking forward to supporting the mining industry in identifying value across the African continent to improve lives.
Namibian-born Jani grew up all over Namibia, and by the age of 11, her family moved to Potchefstroom, and finally to Pretoria. When Jani was younger, she dreamed of becoming a Rally Driver, and shares “I might still become one!”
Jani started at VBKOM in the Project Management department in 2011 and shares, “Providing project management services within the mining industry, has taught me that a can-do attitude, excellence, and innovative solutions make all the difference in our delivery to our clients.”
With the organizational redesign that VBKOM went through and Jani’s great passion for seeing the VBKOM clients’ successes being realised, she made the big decision to pursue the challenges of a Business Development role. She will harness her project management knowledge and skills to identify the possibilities and craft solutions to the benefit of not only the VBKOM clients’ but of the whole of VBKOM.
Outside of the work environment, Jani’s hobbies include crafts, do-it-yourself projects, being outside and extensive gardening, she shares that she has about 200 plants in her greenhouse, of which her orchids are her favourite.
Tiaan visited the University of Pretoria during an open day, knowing he wanted to venture into engineering, but not yet sure in which field. A presentation on Statistics and Business by Professor Paul Kruger was the final tip of the scale for Tiaan to pursue a career in Industrial Engineering.
He joined the VBKOM-family in 2014, and shares, “I am utterly euphoric about the work I do as an Industrial Engineer because it allows me to support and improve businesses.” One of the most satisfying aspects of Tiaan’s career is being able to work with inspirational people using simplistic tools, like Excel, to solve complex problems.
Apart from being a solution finder, Tiaan loves the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. He has the ability to rally excitement and enthusiasm in others with the ideas he has for a better future.
At home, Tiaan is husband to his lovely wife, Andrea, and father to his precious little girl, Adeleine, and carbon-copy son, Edrich.
Tiaan is a self-confessed ‘Foodie’ who enjoys tasting the cuisines from places he travels to and appreciates events where food and wine are paired that enhance the dining experience.
For as long as the Pretoria-born Chantelle can remember, she has always found joy in being creative in any way possible. She comes from a family that has found a very fine balance between technical and creative ability, and from a young age, she has always been encouraged to find creative solutions to anything that she might face.
Chantelle has an excellent memory, and she likes making associations with every piece of new information. Growing up, she wanted to become a software developer, but the coding languages felt too restricted to her, she then wanted to venture into graphic designing but did not like the fact that she had to stay ‘within’ the lines. Chantelle opted to study Communication at the North West University, where the diversity within the discipline left the door wide open to channel her creativity going forward in her career.
After completing her studies, Chantelle worked as a technical sales representative for a renewable energy firm but needed to find a greater creative release in her work life. When reflecting on the progression of her career path, Chantelle shares, “I just know that I always wanted to be able to create. I always wanted to be in the background where I can help someone else shine. At VBKOM I have the opportunity to do just exactly that within marketing.”
After hours, she likes to relax at home with her husband, Jaco, and their two Yorkies. They enjoy cooking together and spending time with a few great friends.
Groblersdal-born Koketso Nakana dreamt of becoming a sound engineer or a doctor, but her knack for statistics and numbers saw her pursuing a diploma in Statistics from the University of Dar es Salaam. She held a bursary from Statistics SA. Koketso is currently studying towards obtaining a BCom Economic degree from UNISA.
Straight after matriculating, Koketso Au Paired. She loves to travel and has set a goal to travel to five African counties within 3 years. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Koketso and her husband have a daughter, and she shares, "I spend a lot of time with my daughter and siblings. They are my life.”
Koketso brings unparalleled energy to the work environment. Outside of work, Koketso’s creativity is expressed through make-up artistry, playing the bass guitar, singing, and photography. Her keen eye and passion for capturing images have seen her being nicknamed “Paparazzi” in the office.
Koketso believes in walking with honour, keeping promises, and being straightforward. She looks forward to exploring and learning about her inner strength to grow in her role as Contract Administrator.
Growing up in Mamelodi and Soshanguve, Tsietsi dreamt of becoming a medical doctor, but hearing the late Mr. Roberts, Operations Management Lecturer, speak so passionately about Industrial Engineering, Tsietsi knew he wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Tsietsi has earned the nickname “Superman” from his peers and co-workers because he always gets things done. Tsietsi enrolled for an Industrial Engineering degree at Wits University, went on to complete an Engineering degree in Technology Management at the University of Pretoria, and obtained his Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch. He received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineerin from the University of Stellenbosch.
He is passionate about new technology and coaching others, and has turned around a non-performing team at a previous employer by channeling his knowledge through mentoring. He shares that the best compliment he’s received from a team member is that he is a great leader, he is an inspiration, and he has the ability to change a person’s perspective.
Tsietsi’s hidden talent is cooking and trying out new recipes on his wife and daughter. He admits, “I always try a new recipe, even if most of the time it ends in a disaster.” Tsietsi’s favourite foods include Mala Mogodu (tripe), Chicken Licken’s hot wings, pork ribs, and potjiekos.
Passionate B.Com Marketing graduate from the University of the Free State (Cum Laude). Recently completed a Digital Marketing short course at the University of Cape Town, enhancing both understanding and creative skills. Eager for continuous personal and professional development. Results-driven and open-minded, I embrace challenges, seek opportunities to learn, and thrive in collaborative environments.