At VBKOM, we pride ourselves on being more than just a consultancy. With vast project experience across more than 1,150 projects between 2008 and 2024 in the mining industry, we optimise every stage of the mining value chain.
Our tailored solutions, from exploration and feasibilityStudies to ongoing operational support, help our clients reduce risks and maximise efficiency.
By being our clients trusted partners, we empower organisations to unearth opportunities.
Ferrous metals are generally mined as bulk commodities, which necessitates specialist skills for mine planning, unit cost optimisation and strategy throughout management.
VBKOM focuses on the raw commodities related to the steel and alloys industries such as iron ore, manganese, chrome and vanadium.
South Africa is the world's sixth-largest iron ore producer, and the third-largest iron ore exporter (2019 statistics).
We offer a wide variety of services to the iron ore mining industry, from feasibility studies to closure plans.
We are not your typical engineering consultancy. We rather see ourselves as our clients' strategic partners.
The global Manganese market is projected to register a Compound Annual Growth Rate of more than 4% during the 2022-2027 forecast period.
VBKOM offers a wide variety of services to the Manganese mining industry from turn-around projects to feasibility type studies.
VBKOM is not your typical engineering consultancy. We rather join hands as our clients' strategic partners.
Base metals are widely used in commercial and industrial applications and are more abundant in nature than precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. It is for this reason that base metals trade at lower prices.
Base metals are widely found in Africa, and include aluminium, copper, cobalt, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, mineral sands, and industrial aggregates.
Bauxite is not a mineral, but a rock that is composed of aluminium-bearing minerals, and is the principal ore of aluminium.
Copper has a multitude of uses across the globe, and is such an immense industry that it is often used as the basis for determining global trade.
VBKOM offers a wide variety of services to the Copper mining industry from Mineral Resources to production ramp-up.
Earth holds an estimated total of 6.3 billion tonnes of discovered and undiscovered Copper. We've been delivering a variety of services to our copper mining clients for more than a decade.
Mineral sands and heavy mineral sands form the base of many everyday items used in modern life.
We understand the Heavy Mineral Sands and Mineral Sands Mining Value Chain, and deliver customised solutions to our clients.
Heavy Mineral Sands such as Ilmenite and Rutile are used to produce Titanium, amongst other uses.
Precious metals have a high economic value and their natural occurrence in nature is rare. The VBKOM team is able to provide an experienced, one-stop service within the platinum group of metals, gold, diamonds and gemstones.
Southern Africa is a leading diamond producer, delivering some of the largest and rarest diamonds in the world.
Although all diamonds are precious, not all are equal. There are various factors at play when determining its value.
VBKOM offers a wide variety of services to the diamond mining industry, from pre-feasibility studies to operational support.
The Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are made up of six metals. Approximately 80% of the economically viable platinum-bearing reserves are located in southern Africa.
The precious metals Basket Price in several Southern African mines is referred to as the 4E price, which is comprised of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold.
The Hydrogen Economy refers to the decarbonisation of economic sectors by the use of zero-emission production.
PGMs versatility lends itself to various industrial-, technology- and commercial applications.
Rhodium, palladium, and platinum all form part of the Platinum-Group Metals and share similar properties. These metals are typically mined as a collective.
We understand the Platinum Group Metals Mining Value Chain and deliver customised solutions to our clients.
We've been delivering a variety of services to our PGM mining clients for more than a decade. Unearth the opportunities by partnering with VBKOM.
In several Southern African mines, the precious metals basket price is referred to as the 4E price, comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold.
VBKOM offers a wide variety of services to the PGM mining industry, from resource estimations to project management.
Gold is a valuable asset for countries, with prices influenced by various global factors.
Gold is a versatile metal that is used in various industries with diverse applications.
We are gold mining experts offering tailored solutions, from resource estimations to project management.
Energy is the life source of human existence. It enables the production of food, fuel transportation, and power communication channels across the world. Energy is the key enabler to progress and development. Without it, infrastructure development and GDP growth will be constrained.
Africa is electricity-starved, but it is blessed with an abundance of natural energy resources, such as coal and uranium.
Despite the global transition to Green Energy, the coal sector remains a significant part of South Africa's future with promising investments for the next generation.
We understand the entire coal Mining Value Chain, and we have been delivering customised solutions to our clients in the coal industry for more than thirteen years.
Critical minerals are metallic and non-metallic mineral resources that are deemed to be vital to world economies. Demand, supply, supply chain risks and technological advancement determine are all factors in how various countries determine which are critical to their economy.
Various minerals could be determined as being critical, herewith an illustration the production share of critical minerals worldwide by majority producing country as at 2021
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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 a 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.
Jani van Rensburg, originally from Swakopmund, Namibia, moved to Pretoria at the age of 10 and has called the city home ever since. She holds a BCom in Financial Management from UNISA and a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from PMI. Jani views mining as a "family business," being the third generation to work in the industry. She is particularly inspired by the practical, solution-oriented mindset and strong work ethic of those she encounters. Jani envisions herself continuing to collaborate with like-minded professionals in the mining sector.
Jani thrives on challenges and loves connecting with people, especially when tackling big problems. Her favourite quote is, "Courageous convictions will drag the dream into existence," which reflects her approach to both work and life. Outside of her professional life, Jani enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, and appreciates good wine. She has a hidden talent for bread-making and is known for her fun-loving, free-spirited nature.
Her favourite foods are French and Italian dishes. Jani’s family includes her husband, three kids, and two large dogs. She most resonates with VBKOM’s value of "Having fun, seriously!"
Growing up in Mamelodi and Soshanguve, Tsietsi originally dreamed of becoming a medical doctor or a pilot. However, after hearing the late Mr. Roberts—an Operations Management Lecturer—speak so passionately about Industrial Engineering, he was inspired to follow that path. His peers and co-workers affectionately call him “Superman” because he consistently gets things done.
Tsietsi earned his Industrial Engineering degree from Wits University, then a Technology Management degree from the University of Pretoria, and later completed his Master’s in Industrial Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering at the same institution.
Passionate about new technology and dedicated to coaching others, Tsietsi has transformed non-performing teams through effective mentoring and leadership. One of his most cherished compliments from a team member is that he is a great leader, an inspiration, and someone who can change a person’s perspective.
In addition to his professional achievements, Tsietsi has a hidden talent for cooking. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes on his wife and daughter, often humorously admitting, “I always try a new recipe, even if most of the time it ends in a disaster.” His favourite foods include Mala Mogodu (tripe), Chicken Licken’s hot wings, pork ribs, and potjiekos.
Lebohang Sekhokoane—affectionately known as "Leby" by her loved ones—grew up in Randfontein. She holds a BSc in Mining Engineering and a Master of Management in Finance and Investment.
Passionate about the ever-evolving nature of mining projects, Lebohang finds great fulfilment in tackling industry challenges. One of her proudest achievements was having her research published by the International Society of Rock Mechanics, recognizing her contributions to the field.
Outside of work, she enjoys slow weekends, starting the day with a late brunch alongside her family. Whether relaxing by the pool with her son, watching documentaries or cartoons, she cherishes quality time with loved ones. A lover of diverse music, she also has a hidden talent for playing the clarinet.
As a Business Development Specialist, Lebohang is dedicated to driving progress in the mining industry. She resonates deeply with VBKOM’s value of walking with honour, ensuring integrity and excellence in everything she does.
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.
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 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.