Meet Sietse van der Woude, a member of the newly appointed CSIR Future Production: Mining advisory panel. Van der Woude is a senior executive of modernisation and safety at the Minerals Council South Africa and is well-known for his extensive knowledge and passion for people-centered innovation and modernisation of the mining sector. Van der Woude holds an MSc in radiation physics and a Master’s in business administration, where he focused on integrating sustainability issues into the strategy of businesses. His multi-year experience in the field also includes holding positions in various institutions such as the National Nuclear Regulator, where he was responsible for the establishment of a regulatory framework for radiation protection in mining.

Van der Woude also held a managerial position at Xstrata and was responsible for safety, health, environment, and quality. His role at the CSIR will include supporting the organisation in positioning itself as a leader in mining innovation and safety and maintaining a forward-facing approach in the mining industry. The CSIR is delighted to welcome Van Der Woude on board and looks forward to a lasting working relationship with him.