Employee Spotlight

Silvercorp Metals Inc. owes its success to our dedicated team. Join us for our Employee Spotlight series, which highlights a team member each month. This month, meet Donovan Pienaar MSc, MBA , our Corporate Development Geologist known for his exceptional skills and knowledge in geology.

How many years of experience do you have, and how did you begin your career in the mining and resources sector?

I began my career in the mining sector 14 years ago with AngloGold Ashanti and Harmony Gold in South Africa, providing me with an excellent foundation in the industry.

What aspects of working at Silvercorp do you find most rewarding, and how has the team there contributed to your professional growth?

Working at Silvercorp has been immensely rewarding, largely due to the dynamic and supportive team environment. I've received extensive mentorship and coaching that has not only enhanced my technical skills across various aspects of the business—from exploration to M&A—but also boosted my leadership capabilities. The team’s dedication to professional development has made a significant impact on my career, fostering both my personal and professional growth in ways that exceed my expectations.

How has your role at Silvercorp influenced your career trajectory, especially in terms of cross-functional exposure and learning?

Coming from a purely operational background, working for Silvercorp has been extremely rewarding because of the wide range of exposure offered to me across all aspects of the business, including exploration, project review and due diligence, project financing, M&A activities, and all corporate-related matters.

What was the most surprising difference you encountered in the mining sector between South Africa and Canada?

The most surprising difference was the focus on all stages of exploration and development in Canada. It was exciting to see projects evolve from initial geological surveys right through to the development phases, offering a more holistic view of the mining process compared to my experiences in South Africa.

Away from your work, what are your favourite activities?

I enjoy spending my free time outdoors, fly-fishing, skiing, surfing, hiking, and travelling across the world as much as possible with my wife. I also enjoy scientific research, with a focus on Geometallurgy and Precambrian geology.

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