Over the years, Moloto has acquired diverse mining experience, having worked in Coal, Diamond and Metalliferous mines. He spent a decade in the Shaft Sinking business, after having begun his career with DeBeers Diamond Mines (Venetia) as a learner official. He later joined Grinaker-LTA Underground Mining Division, where he progressed from a Junior Mining Engineer to Site Manager. During his term at Grinaker-LTA, he acquired a rare and diverse experience in commodity-based operations like Coal, Manganese, Gold, Platinum and Shaft-Sinking Operations. He joined Shaft Sinkers in 2010, where he went through the ranks as a Site Manager, Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, Operations Director, Managing Director of Shaft Sinkers Mining, and Executive responsible for mining and Group business development with Gap Infrastructure Development (formerly Barzani), which focuses on Infrastructure Development (Construction, Open pit mining and Mineral asset development-exploration). He has also held the roles of Project Manager and Contracts Manager at Royal Bafokeng-Styldrift.

Among his many roles, Moloto serves in one or all capacities of Shareholder, Partner and Director at UMS Shaft Sinkers, Manmol Investments; Sight-Power (a digital mining technology business); Union Atlantic, Tagex Investment; Una Diamond Mine and Logical First – where he has ownership of the South African charter of the business. Moloto also serves as Non-Executive Chairman of UMS Shaft Sinkers – which is part of the London-based UMS Group of companies, where he also served within the Group Exco. 

ROOTZ 031 Commodities (PTY) LTD is the international trading and export arm of ROOTZ 031 (PTY) LTD, specializing in both mineral commodities and fast-moving consumer goods. With a strong footprint across Southern Africa and access to global markets, the company leverages world-class port infrastructure and integrated logistics to deliver reliable, sustainable supply chains.

ROOTZ 031 TRAINING UNIT (PTY) LTD

ROOTZ 031 Training Unit (PTY) LTD is the skills development and education arm of ROOTZ 031 (PTY) LTD, dedicated to workforce readiness and community empowerment. Through accredited and non-accredited programmes, industry partnerships, and workplace integration, the unit equips learners with practical skills that meet both national standards and industry needs. 

ROOTZ 031 CONSULTANCY (PTY) LTD

• Mining Techno-Economic Assessments
• Geological Services
• GIS – Remote Sensing Studies
• Mining Target Generation Studies
• Mineral Exploration Management
• Prospecting and Mining Licenses Application

MR. NNDANDULENI MUAVHI

Nndanduleni Muavhi is a Geologist and GIS Specialist with over seven years multidisciplinary experience in the mining and exploration industry. He holds an Honours Degree in Mining and Environmental Geology, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Geology, with a specialization in diamond exploration. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA), focusing on Advanced Geospatial Applications. Muavhi has built a track record in commodities such as diamonds, gold, lithium, rare earth elements (REEs) and base metals among others.

His career began at Zenzele Technology Demonstration (Mintek), where he was appointed as a training geologist, gaining foundational experience in applied geoscience research and fieldwork. He subsequently developed a niche as a Freelance GIS Specialist, contributing to a wide range of projects involving vegetation and land cover mapping, hydrogeological modelling, and mineral target generation using GIS and remote sensing technologies. Following the completion of his MSc, he joined Metminec as an Exploration Geologist, further honing his expertise in designing exploration programs from grassroots mapping to drill targeting.

Muavhi is also an emerging scholar in the field of applied geology and remote sensing, having published over 10 peer-reviewed articles in internationally recognized journals such as Ore Geology Reviews, Geocarto International, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space Science, and South African Journal of Science. His research contributions underscore his commitment to bridging scientific research with practical mineral exploration applications.

MR. KAGISHO MOKOENA

Mr. Kagisho Mokoena is a Shipping Executive in Imports/Exports. He holds an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Johannesburg, and is a Logistics and Trade Operations Specialist with over 10 years’ experience in international shipping, commodities trading and supply chain management. Mokoena has traded different types of mineral commodities such as coal, Iron ore and other FMCG products.

Mokoena has a proven track record in optimizing trade value propositions, managing multi-million-dollar shipments, and coordinating cross-border logistics across Africa and the Middle-East, as well as demonstrated expertise in coal trading logistics, vessel operations, and customs compliance.

In addition, Mokoena has continental and international experience, having been part of the managing team that established Hapag-Lloyd offices in Cameroon, Mauritius and Ghana, where he led systems setup and employee training. He also led port operations integration during the
Hapag-Lloyd/UASC merger, successfully consolidating terminal operations across six Middle Eastern countries (Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia). Mokoena has also been instrumental in moving coal shipments via Durban and Maputo for Glencore.

DR. GERHARD DU PLESSIS

Dr. Gerhard du Plessis is a successful Geologist with a wide range of Geological Field Mapping, Underground Mining, Geochemical Exploration, Project Management and Ore Resource Management experience that spans over 45 years. Dr. Du Plessis holds a BSc(Hons) in Geochemistry, as well as a MSc and PhD in the same field of study, all obtained from the University of the Orange Free State.

Having begun his career at the Counsel of Geoscience of South Africa. Dr. du Plessis has held executive positions with St. Helena Gold Mine, Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd, Rex Diamond Corporation, Lonrho Mining (Pty) Ltd and Mbada Diamonds, Zimbabwe.

MR. MMUSO MATHOBELA

Mmuso Mathobela is a Finance and Risk Management professional with over 15 years’ experience across various sectors of the Financial Services industry. He Holds a Bachelor of Business Science (in Actuarial Science) from the University of Cape Town, and is also a certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) with the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GAARP).

He has strong analytical skills, an extensive Actuarial Science background (Risk Based Capital Modelling), Quantitative Finance, Enterprise Risk Management, Project Finance and Deal Structuring. Mathobela possesses excellent communication skills and business acumen.

MR. MATHIAS SITHOLE

MINING EXECUTIVE & HR LEADER

Mathias Sithole is an experienced mining executive with extensive leadership expertise in both operational and human resources management. He holds a BTech and N-Dip in Metalliferrous Mining from the University of Johannesburg, an MBA from Northwest University, and has completed the Executive Development Program at Harvard Business School.

With a career spanning over two decades, Mathias has held senior roles including Chief Executive Officer of MatAdvice, Chief Operating Officer at Arnot Opco Mine, Group Executive at Impala Platinum Mine, and Senior General Manager at Impala Platinum Mine. He has led mining operations, strategic HR initiatives, and operational turnarounds, including securing coal supply agreements with Eskom and driving safety and production excellence.

Mathias combines deep technical expertise in conventional and trackless mining with advanced human resources leadership. He is also a participant in the Institute of Directors South Africa (IODSA) Director Development Program and is fluent in English and Southern Sotho, with advanced proficiency in Afrikaans.

Driven to create operational efficiency and organizational excellence, Mathias is focused on executive opportunities in the mining sector as an Executive Director or senior leadership role.

MR. JAMES MC ARDLE

MINING CONSULTANT & INDUSTRY EXPERT

James is a South African mining professional with over 50 years of experience across platinum, gold, diamond, and other mineral operations. He holds Mine Overseers and Mine Managers Certificates of Competency and is a member of the Association of Mine Managers of South Africa, the Institute of Quarrying, and the International Society of Explosive Engineers.

Starting his career in 1967, James has held leadership roles from Shift Boss to CEO, gaining expertise in deep-level, shallow reef, mass, fissure, and opencast mining. He served as Explosives Manager and Technical Services Manager at Gold One Modder East and retired as Mine Manager from Sedibeng Diamond Mine in 2018.

James founded Down To Earth Mining Services, offering consultancy in tunnel and shaft rehabilitation, rock consolidation, water sealing, wet-Crete application, and safe mining practices. His notable achievements include award-winning technical innovations such as the West Ventilation Shaft water sealing and the world’s first Rapid Loading Emulsion System.

Through his consultancy, James continues to deliver specialized solutions and project management services, helping mines operate safely, efficiently, and productively.