It’s been a busy year for everyone across the global platinum group metals (PGMs) network. Shifts in global geopolitics, trade and several domestic developments have reshaped the South African PGM landscape and significantly influenced our operating context.

The recovery in dollar PGM pricing has provided much-needed relief for many of us in the industry after several years of intense financial constraints, which resulted in shifts in company strategies and our work environments.

As we enter the final months of 2025, we thought it would be a great time to update you on some of the developments across the global WiPGMs network, share links to recordings of recent events, remind you of our flagship cross-company mentorship programme, which has been launched for 2025/2026, and invite you to join us for our upcoming networking event in Johannesburg in October.

The Women in PGMs network connects women from across the various segments of the value chain to discuss, debate, mentor and grow the industry and our roles within it.

In 2019, Aimie Keeler started an initiative with the support of Anglo American to develop a network of women specialising in the PGM value chain. Success in commodities is dependent on effective and efficient collaboration and development of the entire value chain. The network was set up and rolled out by Anne Denison, Aimee Keeler, Sarah Masterson and Wilma Swarts, four women who, at the time, collectively had 80 years of work experience — 50 years of which was within the PGM industry.

Through participation in WiPGMs events and programmes over almost seven years, women working across the PGM value chain — from exploration, mining and refining, to trading, research and fabrication — have been empowered to connect, collaborate and lead. Membership continues to grow year on year, supported by an expanding global footprint through facilitated events in North America, Europe, Asia and South Africa.

These events and gatherings provide platforms for vital knowledge-sharing, mentorship and innovation, bridging local expertise with global perspectives in each major PGM hub. They also highlight how diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership can strengthen the industry’s resilience and long-term growth.

In 2025, WiPGMs has hosted events in several cities including Johannesburg, London, Shanghai and Singapore, with upcoming events scheduled for September in New York, October in Tokyo and in both Budapest and Fuzhou in November. Our network remains well-supported by our sponsors who give generously to support our initiatives.

The Southern African chapter of WiPGMs has one of the largest registered regional membership bases in the network and we hope to grow this further through your continued support and collaboration.

Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and contacts and encourage them to register to join the network (using this link: WiPGM Portal) to participate in our events, round tables, training and development programmes.

We would love to hear your thoughts on future topics and discussion to ensure we facilitate the best-possible support and provide opportunities to bridge the gap between our day-to-day roles and responsibilities and the broader, global network of PGMs, of which Southern Africa is such a vital part.

Follow us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for updates and insights.

The WiPGMs cross-company mentoring programme administered by Moving Ahead, and in partnership with the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI), has now launched for our third year.

This nine-month initiative is designed to build stronger pipelines and increase female representation at senior levels in the PGM industry. Mentees (with under 15 years of experience) are paired with seasoned mentors (15+ years, or 5+ years in management) to foster growth, confidence and leadership.

Here is a link to a short video, which explains a little bit more about one of our flagship initiatives and shares some of the fantastic outcomes experienced by past mentor and mentee participants. https://www.wipgms.com/mentoring-programme/

And here are the links to the application forms:
Mentee form – https://forms.office.com/e/rhPqYAyVAn
Mentor form – https://forms.office.com/e/3RixxasjNm

The deadline for applications is 15^th September 2025.

In May, WiPGMs hosted its annual London event, drawing 150 participants, both men and women, from across the PGM industry. A recording of the panel discussion, facilitated by Fahmida Smith the Principal for Market Development at Valterra Platinum, and including Vicki Barker from the World Platinum Investment Council, Eva Casey from Wisdom Tree and Kirstie Hopkins from the Royal Mint is available to view on YouTube at the following link: Event – May 2025 – London Platinum Week – WiPGMs

The significant global focus on the sustainable and responsible extraction and use of natural resources results in a myriad roles and responsibilities for PGM producers and consumers. A deep pool of female talent fulfils many specialist roles across this important aspect of the PGM ecosystem.

Join us for a roundtable and networking event on 7 October in Johannesburg, where we will focus on the societal imperative for sustainability and the implications for our industry — with panel participants from across the PGM sector.

Tuesday, 7^th October 2025 – 07h30-09h00

Valterra Platinum – 144 Oxford Road, Melrose, Johannesburg

A livestream is available for those unable to join us in person

To register for the event, click here: WiPGMs SA Event Registration

Yvonne Mfolo, Kim-Leigh Farra and Emma Townshend

The Southern Africa and EMEA Chapter, WiPGMs