Vedanta Zinc CEO Deshnee Naidoo on breaking barriers in male dominated mining industry

Gender equality in the male-dominated mining industry has been a longstanding issue in South Africa, but there are signs of progress on the horizon. Deshnee Naidoo, CEO of Vedanta Zinc International, is at the forefront of breaking barriers and changing perceptions within the industry. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Naidoo shared insights into her journey and the challenges she faced as a woman in a traditionally male space. Born and raised in Durban, Naidoo's academic background in chemical engineering paved the way for her entry into the mining sector. Despite facing initial skepticism and biases, she persevered and made significant strides in her career. Her experience at Anglo-American, where she received training and worked in the mines, offered her a platform to navigate through the complexities of a male-dominated environment. Naidoo highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and professionalism in establishing her credibility and breaking through societal stereotypes. As she rose through the ranks to become the CEO of Vedanta Zinc International, Naidoo emphasized the need for women to support and uplift each other in the industry. She has actively promoted gender diversity within her organization, leading to a notable increase in the representation of women at various levels. Naidoo's commitment to empowering women and creating inclusive work environments sets a positive example for the next generation of female leaders in the mining sector. With changing attitudes and regulatory frameworks supporting gender diversity, Naidoo believes that the industry is becoming more receptive to women. She acknowledges the progress made over the past two decades and sees a shift towards viewing gender diversity as a strategic advantage rather than a mere compliance requirement. Naidoo's success story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring women in the mining industry, showing that with determination and resilience, one can overcome barriers and excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her commitment to opening doors for other women and driving positive change within the industry underscores the importance of inclusive leadership and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. As Naidoo continues to lead by example, her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and growth in the mining sector.