JAW “Mannas” Fourie is a seasoned mining executive with over three decades of leadership experience in deep level gold mining, high risk operations, and emergency preparedness and response.
His career began in 1994 as learner official at AngloGold Ashanti’s President Steyn 4 Shaft in Welkom, moving to the Beatrix Operations in 2002, later part of Gold Fields and now Sibanye Stillwater. Over his 30-year tenure in operational mining, Fourie advanced through several senior managerial positions, spearheading complex, deep level, seismic, and high-methane operations, consistently transforming them into safe, high performing, and profitable entities. Fourie’s technical leadership is complemented by seven years’ voluntary service with Mines Rescue Services, where he served as both Rescue Team Member and Captain, gaining experience in underground fires, gas explosions, and critical rescue and recovery missions. Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Mines Rescue Services South Africa in 2017, he now leads the organisation’s advanced emergency response strategies, providing executive oversight for national preparedness and international mine rescue collaboration and assistance. He serves as Trustee and Board Member of Mines Rescue Services, is a Board Member of the International Mines Rescue Body, and a Council Member of the Association of Mine Managers of South Africa.