Ebelia Manda

I have grown to derive pleasure from charting uncharted territory. Upon learning that the School of Mines at the University of Zambia had never graduated any female mining engineers, I became enthusiastic to pursue this. The moment I stepped my foot into the school, I knew that I had made the best decision. I actually broke the records, graduated with a distinction, and was awarded for the best final-year project.

I am a Mining Engineering Lecturer at the Copperbelt University in Zambia. I lecture topics of rock excavation engineering (drilling and blasting), mineral economics, and operations research. My role is to teach and supervise research projects for undergraduates. I am also currently pursuing my PhD in Mining Engineering at China University of Mining and Technology in Xuzhou, China, with a particular interest in IOT (Internet of Things), sustainable mining, and the environment.

My experience in the mines was intriguing because, being the first female mining engineer, I had to be a role model for upcoming women in mining engineering. I had to set the tone and make the male folk believe that women can equally do it. I am glad that I pioneered.

The major challenge I experienced was lack of acceptance by some male counterparts. I remember being told these words by a manager when I was found underground: “What is this beautiful lady doing underground instead of being in my kitchen cooking?” The sentiment was discouraging, but I quickly got over it. I had to go an extra mile to prove that I was equal to the task.

I am learning a lot about Chinese culture and I have very good and welcoming Chinese friends who are making my stay memorable: to mention but a few, my supervisors Professor Cai Qingxiang (才庆祥), Professor Zhou Wei (周伟), Mrs Zhou (笑纳), my medical doctor Dr. Zhuzhuxia (猪猪侠), Zhaowenxin (赵文新), some PhD students, Dr. Lu Xiang and Dr. Luan, and many more.

China still doesn’t allow women in underground mines, so for me this was already a limitation because it meant that my research was only feasible in open–pit operations.

I have a passion for sharing knowledge and conducting research. I find pleasure in teaching and seeing the confidence it brings to the learners when they get equipped. Having worked in the mining industry in both underground and open-pit mines, I strongly felt that I needed to give more to my country through lecturing. I want to see well-trained mining engineers deemed fit for purpose in the industry to manage our God-given non-renewable resources, which are our country’s economic backbone. I am passionate about new frontiers in mining technologies and how best they can be utilised for production efficiency. I am currently researching the Internet of Things, intelligent mining, and machine-learning technologies.

I was sponsored by Barrick Gold Mine at my Bachelor degree level and they gave me the training I needed in copper mining. Unfortunately, I have never had formal mentors, which I think needs to be improved. Due to my experience, I wish to formally mentor upcoming female mining engineers. In the past, I have conducted careers talks in some secondary schools, with the aim of stirring interest in the female students to purse mining engineering.

I would love to conduct more research as a post-doctoral researcher in machine learning, IoT, and solve some industrial production problems in Zambia. Opening a consultancy firm in mining technology and reclamation strategies is something that burns in me. I would also be delighted to work with a big company like Rio Tinto or a research institute.

Being diligent in one’s work attracts unexpected opportunities.  It’s ok to be unique and stand out and not try to always fit in.

Branching to academia. I really enjoy passing on the knowledge of mining to my students, especially as I have worked in the mining industry in both underground and open-pit operations. I really feel satisfied because my services are contributing directly to the Zambian economy through the qualified human resources that we provide to the mining industry every year. I always feel proud when I go back to industry and meet managers or engineers that have passed through my hands.

Yes. The mining industry, being male-dominated, can be a very lonely place for women, hence WiM groups can be a support for women, where they can learn what to expect in the mines, can share their experiences, and can get some mentorship from other women. Mentoring from WiM groups can facilitate positive socialization among women in the mining industry by encouraging interaction with successful individuals and by providing psychological and social behaviour support. This support can help women overcome perceived gender role barriers. It can also be a source of inspiration to upcoming female engineers.

Great things do not come easily: every great achievement comes with a price. You need to be determined to overcome whatever obstacles come your way.

Be diligent in your work: let your work always speak for you. Be a keen learner and avail yourself to learn new skills, even from your subordinates. There are a lot of opportunities for eagle-eyed people, hence always stay focused.

I wish I knew that a positive attitude is a determinant for success. A positive mind set always yields positive results.

My husband (John Mvula) and I have come up with a model called SHFABWS. This  acronym stands for:

S – spiritual: I’m a Christian, hence my spiritual being has to be nourished through praying, reading the Bible, and building literature.

H – health: I’m aware that my health matters the most, hence I need to exercise and keep fit.

F – family: I treasure my family time because I believe that an intact family is the generator of an efficient and productive mind. I’m always a hands-on mother and wife: I cook, teach, and play with my three children (Chasdiel, Maranatha, and Yatniel).

A – academic: Academics always makes one stay relevant. They say that the moment you stop reading, you start aging. I evaluate what I have learnt or taught someone.

B – business: I always search for business frontiers that I can venture into or expand.

W – work: I make sure that my work plan is up-to-date and my customers (my students) are satisfied.

S – social: Last, but not the least, is my social domain: checking and catching up on my friends and trending news.

My definition of a successful day is a preserved SHFABWS. At the end of each day, during myself-introspection, I check whether or not SHFABWS was adhered to. This model keeps me in check.

I have a strong interest in technology, hence I am reading these books: New Developments in Mining Engineering 2015: Theoretical and Practical Solutions of Mineral Resources Mining (CRC Press, 2020) and Internet of Things (IoT): Technologies, Applications, Challenges and Solutions (CRC Press, 2018). I would strongly recommend these books for upcoming engineers.

My hobbies are cooking, baking, aerobics, and visiting new places.