Jacques takes the lead

Rt: How long have you been a member of Sanire?

JL: Since the SANGORM days in 1994, when I was transferred to St Helena mine in Welkom by Gengold

Rt: What’s the greatest personal benefit you have experienced from being a member?

JL: The interaction between all levels of rock engineers, researchers, academics and suppliers during branch meetings, seminars and workshops has aided my development as a rock engineer. The platform that Sanire creates serves both the individual and the industry.

Rt: What are your and your council’s plans for the coming year?

JL: We have realised that the old reasons for Sanire’s existence may not be totally applicable anymore. Organisations and individuals have to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Sanire not only has a huge role to play in the South African underground, surface and civil industry, but also in the training and education of our members.

Other than having a longer-term perspective, I think council’s biggest challenge is to gauge what will be required by our members in the future.

The council has also started to compile the history of the organisation. I believe the younger generation does not always understand and value the input that some of the legends have had in developing the discipline of rock engineering in South Africa or, for that matter, the world.

Rt: What’s the greatest challenge rock engineers face in SA today?

JL: To quantify risk in our industry. I believe the balance between safe and economic design rests squarely on the rock engineering practitioner.

Rock engineering has progressed past the “gut feel” or engineering judgement days. We need to quantify our results and recommendations. With our experience, we need to develop new methodologies and tools to adequately quantify the risk to enable management to make proper decisions. There is no better mining engineer than a rock engineer.

Rt: Tell us about your day job.

JL: I am a director of Brentley, Lucas and Associates (BLA) Mining Consultants based in Welkom in the Free State. I have been with BLA for 12 years and really enjoy the challenges every day brings.

The best and most rewarding feeling comes from knowing that your input, technical or otherwise, has made a difference. My motto has always been: when you get involved – make a difference.

The worst thing in my line of work is people management. Unfortunately, people management is neglected during engineering studies and training. It only rears its head when you move into a management role.

Rt: Where did you study and what’s the best memory you have of being a student?

JL: I completed a BSc Mining Engineering at Tukkies in 1992, and then an MSc at Wits. My best memories are of the mining engineering tours and field visits. Usually these were very interesting and entertaining.

Rt: Moving on to life after hours, tell us about your family.

JL: I have been married to Catrin for 14 years and I am the proud father of a son, Kyle (12), and a daughter, Cara (10).

I love sport and watching TV, and will do just about anything except things involving heights. Since I’m moving on in age, I’m focusing more on golf, fly fishing, snow skiing, cycling, hunting and scuba diving.

Rt: If you could have chosen any other career, what would it have been?

JL: In my matric year, I was convinced that I would make a good actor. Who knows, I could have had a major role in 7de Laan!

Rt: Where’s your favourite holiday destination?

JL: In South Africa, it’s Mossel Bay and Cape Town. However, I prefer Scotland as the ideal breakaway with my wife. The castles, monsters, single malt whiskeys and golf courses are absolutely amazing.

Rt: Which sports team do you support?

JL: In rugby, I am a Lions’ supporter so I tend to know how to lose, except when we play the Bulls. In soccer I support Pirates locally and Arsenal in the Premiership. Other than that, I support all the South African national teams.