Nompumelelo Zikalala: Durban-born mining executive leading $6.4 billion mining giant

When conversations turn to influential leaders in the global mining industry, Nompumelelo Zikalala’s name increasingly comes up. Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, the mining executive has built a career spanning more than two decades, culminating in her role as chief executive officer of Kumba Iron Ore Limited, a Johannesburg-based iron ore producer valued at R105.6 billion ($6.4 billion) at the time of drafting this report.

Zikalala’s path to mining expertise

Zikalala’s entry into mining began unexpectedly in a KwaZulu-Natal classroom, when De Beers representatives visited her high school to present engineering careers. Before that, she had little understanding of engineering and had considered fields like medicine or nursing. Her aptitude in mathematics and science, however, guided her toward engineering, setting the foundation for a career in the mining industry that she had not originally planned or anticipated.

Mining, she recalls, seemed both challenging and unfamiliar. Her academic journey took shape at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she earned a degree in chemical engineering. That education laid the foundation for her entry into the mining industry when she joined De Beers in 2001 as a process engineer. Early in her career, she worked on plant design and process improvement initiatives, steadily moving through production management roles that broadened her operational expertise.

First female GM to Kumba CEO

Her rise at De Beers followed a series of operational and commercial roles. In 2007, she was appointed general manager of De Beers Kimberley Mines, becoming the first woman to hold the position within the group. In 2010, she moved to general manager of the Voorspoed mine. After three and a half years, she transitioned to senior vice president of De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa, taking on broader commercial responsibilities. In November 2017, she was named deputy CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines. In April 2019, she became managing director of De Beers Group Managed Operations, overseeing assets in South Africa and Canada.

Alongside her operational experience, Zikalala strengthened her leadership skills through executive development at London Business School. Her performance across multiple roles earned industry recognition, including being named among the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining in 2018, an award issued in Mayfield, London. Her appointment as chief executive officer of Kumba Iron Ore Limited took effect on January 1, 2022, when she also joined the board as an executive director. Since then, she has led the company through a period marked by operational discipline and shifting global market conditions.

EBITDA climbs 14 percent, margin 46 percent

Under her leadership, the iron ore producer delivered a solid performance for its 2025 fiscal year despite uncertainty in global trade. Kumba reported adjusted EBITDA growth of 14 percent to R31.9 billion ($1.95 billion), lifting the EBITDA margin to 46 percent from 41 percent. The improvement was supported by resilient iron ore pricing, with the company achieving an average realized price of $95 per wet metric tonne, 12 percent above the benchmark FOB export price of $85 per wet metric tonne. High-quality products generated an Fe premium of $3 per tonne, a lump premium of $6 per tonne, and a positive timing effect of $1 per tonne.

Revenue rose 2 percent to R70.1 billion ($4.3 billion), while operating expenses declined 2 percent to R45.2 billion ($2.76 billion) from R46.1 billion ($2.82 billion). The company maintained a strong balance sheet, ending the period with a net cash position of R14.9 billion ($910 million). Beyond financial results, Kumba reported R58 billion ($3.54 billion) in economic contribution. This included R19 billion ($1.16 billion) directed to BEE suppliers, with R3.5 billion ($214.1 million) benefiting local host community suppliers. The company also paid R7.4 billion ($452.6 million) in income taxes and mineral royalties, contributing to infrastructure, education and healthcare initiatives across South Africa.

Business and social leadership combined

Zikalala chairs Sishen Iron Ore Company and serves as a trustee of the University of Johannesburg Trust. She leads the Private Sector Forum of the South African National AIDS Council, participating in economic and social initiatives. She mentors younger professionals and supports diversity programs in mining, promoting inclusion for underrepresented groups. Her compensation at Zimba Iron reflects these responsibilities. For the 2025 fiscal year, she received R34.66 million ($2.11 million), up from R30.11 million ($1.84 million) in 2024, according to company filings. Her roles span corporate management, governance, and sector-wide development initiatives, reflecting growing influence across mining and public affairs.