Fossils by Firelight - GSSA

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Welcome to fossils by firelight - a series of conversations with South Africa's geological legends where they unearth their discoveries, their learnings, memories, interesting stories (and maybe a few tall tales) to chronicle our history and inspire the next generation of geological heroes.

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  1. 18. Feb.

    30 years to Everest – Decisions, setbacks, and staying power

    In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Dr Jeannette McGill shares the 30-year journey behind her summit of Mount Everest — a dream that began as a quiet “one-day” goal and evolved into a test of resilience, commitment, and courage. From pioneering roles in the mining and technology sectors to multiple attempts on the world’s highest peak, she reflects on setbacks, turning back when it mattered most, and the discipline of consistent preparation. More than a story about climbing Everest, this is a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements are built through daily commitment, calculated risk, and the willingness to begin — even when success isn’t guaranteed. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

  2. 27. Jan.

    Licking Rocks and Other Career Advice | John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee

    This episode of Fossils by Firelight was recorded in Hermanus, a place seasoned geologists seem to migrate to once their field boots are well worn. It brings together John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee for a wide-ranging, story-rich conversation about a life spent with rocks. From first field assignments and unforgettable camps to mentors, missteps, underground lessons, global mining adventures, and the responsibility that comes with experience, the discussion blends humour, hard-won wisdom, and sharp insight into how geology shapes both landscapes and lives. It’s a candid reflection on collaboration, communication, curiosity, and why getting your hands (sometimes literally your tongue) on real rocks still matters. Before we wrap up, a small correction from the editorial desk: John mentioned Gideon Groenewald during the conversation, but the geologist in question was in fact Gideon Scheepers — proof that even solid memories can suffer a little geological slippage over time. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

  3. 22. Jan.

    Every Rock Has a Story | David Mourant, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine

    In this episode of Fossils by Firelight, host Noleen Pauls goes solo at the helm from the geologists’ holiday haven of Hermanus, guiding a rich and often hilarious conversation with David Mourant, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine. From childhood fossil finds and career-defining mistakes to life in remote field camps, mentors who shaped generations, and the enduring magic of rocks in three dimensions, the discussion ranges across decades of geological experience. It’s a warm, story-driven reflection on geology as both a science and a way of life — where every rock has a story, and the people chasing them matter just as much as the discoveries themselves. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

  4. 15.12.2025

    Keeper of the Keys: Dr. Craig Smith on a Life in Geology

    In this episode of Fossils by Firelight, host Noleen Pauls sits down with Dr. Craig Smith — long-serving executive manager of the Geological Society of South Africa — at his home in Hout Bay as he reflects on a remarkable career that’s taken him from solitary months in the Wyoming field to laboratories, boardrooms, and what he jokingly calls being a professional “cross-dresser” between academia and industry. As Craig heads into retirement after nearly 16 years of guiding the GSSA, he shares stories, surprises, and insights into how the geosciences — and the Society — have transformed along the way. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

  5. 25.03.2025

    At the Coalface

    Today’s guests Nico Denner, Bob Hatherly, Peet Meyer, and Karin van Deventer talk about their extensive careers in coal with host Sifiso Siwela. We explore the challenges facing the coal industry, the evolution of mining practices, the future of coal in energy production (particularly in light of global shifts towards renewable energy), the importance of proper training and education and mentorship for younger geologists, and so much more. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

  6. 17.02.2025

    Platinum - the good, the bad, and the ugly

    Hosts Noleen Pauls and Sifiso Siwela talk to three professionals who cut their teeth in the platinum industry. From fixing drill rigs to 2,000m underground to MBAs and future opportunities, Dennis Hoffman, Gordon Chunnett and Ken Lomberg covered it all. Our guests also emphasised the importance of underground experience for young geologists, and the evolving role of geologists in mining operations. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

  7. 08.06.2023

    From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director

    In this episode, intrepid explorers Dr Humphrey Mathe, James Campbell, and Oliver Barker talk to hosts Sifiso Siwela and Noleen Pauls about cold showers, actual drilling experiences, books on walls, and broken diamonds. We trace the paths from their early days in the field and what it takes to become inspiring leaders. Guests: Dr Humphrey Mathe (Tranter Exploration (Pty) Limited l CEO), James Campbell (Botswana Diamonds l MD), Oliver Barker (Banzi Geotechnics l Director) GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

    From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director

  8. 13.05.2022

    The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand

    In this episode Noleen Pauls and fellow host Kathryn James-Kleynhans delve into the birth of Johannesburg and the role played by gold and the early prospectors, with renowned geologists Prof Bruce Cairncross, Prof Gillian Drennan, Prof Richard Viljoen and Frank Gregory. Our geological heroes also discuss the importance of preserving this history, before looking forward and how to equip future geologists with the tools needed to keep the spotlight and lustre on Witwatersrand gold. Connect with Katherine · Connect with Bruce · Connect with Gillian · Connect with Noloeen · Connect with Richard Viljoen · Connect with Frank Gregory · GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

    The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand

  9. 02.02.2022

    Diamonds are Forever

    The high pressure path and tenacity of the rough diamonds. Today, Sifiso Siwela and Tania Marshall (GSSA president and a diamond legend in her own right) talk to Mike de Wit, John Ward, and Renato "Spaggs" Spaggiari all three distinguished geological heroes in the diamond fields. Mike, John, Spaggs and Tania share stories of navigating unchartered territories in the pursuit of the precious stones. They also share learnings, memories, interesting stories and open up about valuable lessons learnt. The heroes share gems on the grit, resilience and basic exploration skills required by the young geologists to be able discover the now rare diamond deposits, even with all available technology. The guests finally emphasise the importance of having boots on the ground. Connect with John · Connect with Renato · Connect with Mike · Connect with Tania · Connect with Sifiso · GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

    Diamonds are Forever

  10. 29.10.2021

    The Big Five (or Six or Seven) Houses that shaped South African Mining

    Working as geologists during the glory days of the big mining houses. Guests: Richard Viljoen, Frank Gregory, Ron Hieber, Phil Bentley, Roy Corrans and Derek Kyle. In this episode our five distinguished geological legends talk to hosts Noleen and Sifiso about their time working for the big mining houses. We explore the internal working of these companies and aspects such as training and mentorship. And we touch on the role of the then Chamber of Mines. Our guests chronicle their geological paths and how they navigated the tough but exciting mining industry to become 'rock stars'. They also share learnings, memories, interesting stories and open up about valuable lessons learnt. GSSA Website · Connect with Ron · Connect with Phil · Connect with Roy · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

    The Big Five (or Six or Seven) Houses that shaped South African Mining

  11. 18.09.2021

    Welcome to Fossils by Firelight

    Welcome to fossils by firelight - a series of conversations with South Africa's geological legends where they unearth their discoveries, their learnings, memories, interesting stories (and maybe a few tall tales) to chronicle our history and inspire the next generation of geological heroes. GSSA Website · Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube

    Welcome to Fossils by Firelight

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Welcome to fossils by firelight - a series of conversations with South Africa's geological legends where they unearth their discoveries, their learnings, memories, interesting stories (and maybe a few tall tales) to chronicle our history and inspire the next generation of geological heroes.

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