Ep 2: Young Engineer, Big Projects: Fragoso Muhae (Studies & Projects Coordinator, Vulcan)

Summary

In this insightful episode of Youth Collab Spotlight, Fragasam Hay, a mining engineer and project manager, shares his journey from diverse educational backgrounds to his current hybrid role that blends mining engineering and project management. He highlights his focus on sustainability, innovation, and leadership within the mining industry. Fragasam discusses his experiences, including leading ambitious projects like waste-to-energy solutions, and emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, collaboration, and adaptability for young professionals. As Africa’s mining sector evolves, he stresses the need for young engineers to focus on technical skills, leadership, and systems thinking to drive meaningful impact in the industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mining engineers and project managers play a crucial role in leading large-scale projects, ensuring technical execution, safety, sustainability, and long-term value.
• 😀 A diverse educational journey, including degrees in geology, mining engineering, and project management, helps professionals develop a broad skill set for tackling complex projects.
• 😀 Continuous learning is key for young professionals to differentiate themselves and stay competitive in the industry. Developing lifelong learning habits is essential for career growth.
• 😀 Key advice for standing out in competitive programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship is to keep evolving, learning, and staying open to new opportunities.
• 😀 Successful technical projects, such as waste-to-energy solutions, require cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation in areas like AI-driven automation and energy efficiency.
• 😀 Mining companies should adopt a proactive, integrated approach to environmental sustainability, using solutions like modular energy-efficient plants, closed-loop water systems, and real-time emissions tracking.
• 😀 Partnerships and collaborations, especially with communities and technology vendors, drive innovation and sustainability in the mining industry. Diverse partnerships lead to better outcomes.
• 😀 Mentorship and collaboration with experienced professionals are crucial for career development, as they provide valuable knowledge and guidance in navigating the industry.
• 😀 The next decade in African mining holds exciting potential, as the continent has the resources, talent, and tools to create a sustainable mining future with intentional planning.
• 😀 Young professionals should focus on developing technical skills along with soft skills such as adaptability, leadership, and systems thinking to be future-ready in the mining sector.

Q & A

What is the dual role that Fragasam Hay holds in the mining industry?

Fragasam Hay serves as both a mining engineer and a project manager, blending technical expertise with leadership in managing large-scale mining projects from concept to execution.

How does Fragasam balance technical work with project management?

Fragasam combines mining engineering with project management, allowing him to stay closely connected to the technical side of mining while overseeing the life cycle of projects, from studies to commissioning.

What has been Fragasam's focus in recent projects?

Recently, Fragasam has focused on mine operational readiness, infrastructure expansion, and upgrading processing plants and tailings storage facilities, as well as developing systems that connect mines to regional and global markets.

How did Fragasam's diverse education contribute to his career?

Fragasam's diverse educational background in geology, mining engineering, project management, and his specialization in major mining projects has equipped him with a strong technical foundation and leadership skills, enabling him to approach challenges as a systems thinker.

What advice does Fragasam offer to young professionals looking to stand out in the industry?

Fragasam advises young professionals to embrace lifelong learning, making it a habit and a way of living. He emphasizes the importance of continuously evolving and staying open to new opportunities to differentiate themselves.

What was one of the most technically challenging projects Fragasam has worked on?

One of the most challenging projects Fragasam led was a waste-to-energy solution that transformed coal rejects into electrical energy. It involved complex technical challenges and required aligning diverse stakeholders around an innovative, untested concept.

How does Fragasam view the role of environmental sustainability in mining?

Fragasam believes that taking a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to environmental sustainability is key. He emphasizes integrating environmental considerations into project designs early on and using tools like remote sensing and emissions tracking for transparency.

What partnerships have been essential in driving sustainability and innovation in mining, according to Fragasam?

Fragasam highlights the importance of partnerships that bring together diverse expertise, including technology partnerships for AI and automation, as well as collaborations with communities to co-create solutions that lead to better outcomes.

What excites Fragasam about the future of mining in Africa?

Fragasam is excited about Africa's opportunity to intentionally shape its mining future. He believes that with the right strategies, talent, and resources, the continent can drive transformational progress in the mining industry.

What are the key skills that Fragasam believes young professionals in mining should develop?

Fragasam stresses the importance of technical skills, adaptability, leadership, and systems thinking for young professionals. He believes that the future of mining will require professionals to integrate people, technology, and purpose.