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Women in Mining - Puledi Mahwiliri
Modern Mining: Women in Mining - Puledi Mahwiliri’s profile for Women’s Month:
Puledi Mahwiliri is a Process Manager at Multotec, where she partners with clients to drive continuous plant optimisation through delivering customised mineral processing solutions that serve the complex demands of the mining industry.
She was born in Polokwane and her curiosity about how things work, combined with a natural problem-solving instinct, inspired her to pursue a career in engineering. She went on to obtain a BSc Honours in Metallurgy, a qualification that laid the foundation for a rewarding career in mineral processing. “I’ve always loved STEM subjects, and I knew I wanted to work in a field where I could solve real-world challenges and make a tangible impact,” she explains.
Among her proudest achievements is her contribution to a Multotec cyclones project, which was a major undertaking involving exceptionally high flow rates and large cyclone clusters. Even after splitting the flows for manageability, the clusters remained extensive. Puledi and her team were tasked with developing a practical, reliable solution — which they successfully achieved, helping the clien
t optimise water usage and plant efficiency.
Puledi describes her management style as a blend of democratic, coaching, servant, and situational leadership, although most of her team would describe her as a coach at heart. “I value diversity — in culture, education, personality, and perspective. It creates stronger, more agile teams and fosters innovation,” she says.
Navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry has not always been easy, but Puledi believes women bring invaluable, people-centred leadership qualities to the workplace. She credits strong mentors throughout her career and has made it a personal mission to empower and uplift others within her team. Puledi turns challenges into opportunities by owning up, asking for help, and communicating openly, earning trust and building stronger client relationships.
Her advice to other women leaders in mining and business is that: “The space has been created for us by pioneering women before us. Let’s continue to show up, take our seat at the table, and own it — because we are just as good.”
Puledi’s life philosophy offers a simple but powerful reminder: “Every morning when you get up — if you get up — you have a chance to make a difference. In your own life, or in someone else’s.”
She continues to be a firm advocate for inclusivity, mentorship, and courage within the mining industry, paving the way for future generations of women in STEM.
Outside of work, Puledi leads a full and active life as a mother to a high school daughter whose sporting ambitions keep her busy, especially during hockey season. Much of her free time is spent supporting her daughter on the sidelines. On weekends, they love taking leisurely drives through different suburbs, house hunting and discovering beautiful homes and gardens.