Rachel Tlhole
Job title (at time of interview)Metallurgy Manager at ArcelorMittal
LocationLiberia
“People often assume you’re in a support role—like safety or admin. In meetings, they expect you to take notes, not lead discussions. Only after people learn about your expertise do they begin to take you seriously.”
“We’re challenging the stereotype that a woman’s place is in the kitchen. The industry is opening, and companies like ArcelorMittal are leading that change.”
Rachel Tlhole, an experienced metallurgist with over 20 years’ experience in metallurgical engineering. Her main work has involved operating mineral processing plants, research and development, process development and plant commissioning. He is currently working as Metallurgy Manager at ArcelorMittal. She had the opportunity to commission 2 greenfield as well as brownfield plants and has been working as a South African expatriate since 2012 in Mozambique, Senegal and Liberia. Rachel is passionate about optimising processes, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Over the years, Metallurgy has not only been a technical discipline for her, but a platform for innovation and sustainable development. It has given her the opportunity to develop strong technical and operational teams, mentoring and upskilling nationals in the countries she has worked in and building strong professional relationships.
Rachel is a successful mother of 2 children aged 22 and 18 and loves travelling with her children, cooking and being with her family.
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August 2025
By Claudia Fernández P.
Forging a Path: Rachel Tlhole’s Trailblazing Journey in Mining
Rachel Tlhole’s journey to becoming Metallurgy Manager at ArcelorMittal Liberia began with a moment of wonder that would shape the course of her life. Growing up in 1990s South Africa, she took part in an Anglo-American initiative designed to expose young students to the mining industry. One visit to a metallurgy lab changed everything.
“I was fascinated,” she recalls. “Seeing metals up close like that and knowing what chemistry could reveal about them—it all came together for me.”
That first glimpse of metallic structures under a microscope ignited a passion for science, particularly chemistry, that would fuel Rachel’s career. From that point on, she saw metallurgy not just as a subject, but as a calling.
A Nonlinear Journey with Global Impact
Rachel’s path into mining was anything but linear. After completing her education, she began as a trainee metallurgist at ISCOR in South Africa. Her early career included a range of roles: she worked as a Metallurgical lecturer at the University, delved into research and development as a research engineer, operating production plants specialized in mineral sands. Each experience added depth and versatility to her growing expertise.
Rachel Tlhole atop the newly build iron ore crushing plant, overlook the ArcelorMittal Liberia concentrator.
In 2012, her professional journey expanded across borders. “I started in Mozambique, then moved to Senegal to help build and commission a new plant,” she explains. “I spent five years there, returned to Mozambique for another five, and then went back to Senegal. It was exciting and enriching—meeting different people, navigating new challenges, and mentoring young professionals.”
With over 15 years of experience in mineral sands, Rachel’s move into iron ore may seem like a pivot, but to her, it was a logical progression. “Iron ore and mineral sands are both heavy minerals. I was looking for a new challenge within a familiar space, and that’s what drew me to iron ore.”
A Full-Circle Moment at ArcelorMittal
Joining ArcelorMittal marked a significant milestone for Rachel. “Growing up in South Africa, ArcelorMittal was one of the biggest mining companies. It was a dream to work for them—one I couldn’t realize earlier in my career. So, when the opportunity came, I was excited. It felt like coming full circle.”
As Metallurgy Manager for Concentrate, Rachel is responsible for ensuring that the plant produces quality, on-specification products and meets volume targets efficiently. “Our products go to market, so quality and cost-efficiency are key. At the same time, we must be environmentally responsible and minimize waste.”
But Rachel’s impact at ArcelorMittal has gone beyond metallurgy. “I was appointed as a metallurgy manager but soon got involved in construction. I’d never worked in that area before—only in commissioning. The company gave me space to grow, speak my mind, and contribute meaningfully.”
Breaking Barriers and Changing Narratives
Rachel is candid about the challenges women face in mining. “People often assume you’re in a support role—like safety or admin. In meetings, they expect you to take notes, not lead discussions. Only after people learn about your expertise do they begin to take you seriously.”
Despite this, she remains committed to mentoring and uplifting others. “What I take most pride in is upskilling people and mentoring the young professionals I’ve met along the way.”
Rachel and team share a moment after a success first test of the iron ore concentrator.
Her proudest moment? Helping commission Liberia’s first iron ore concentrator. “In the days leading up to the inauguration, I couldn’t sleep, I was very excited. When I first arrived onsite, most equipment were not even in place. Seeing it come together was overwhelming—a dream come true.”
A Message to the Next Generation
Rachel sees progress in how women are being embraced in mining, particularly at ArcelorMittal. “We’re challenging the stereotype that a woman’s place is in the kitchen. The industry is opening, and companies like ArcelorMittal are leading that change.”
To young women in Liberia—and across the continent—Rachel offers heartfelt encouragement:
“It is possible. Believe in yourself. Be open to learning. Be patient with your journey. Whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve.”
Rachel inspecting raw material for the first test of the iron ore concentrator.