Leadership

Managing Director
Christoff Badenhorst

Christoff has over 25 years’ experience in the Mining Minerals and Metals industry. He has been involved in large scale mining and minerals processing studies and projects across Africa, implementing various greenfields and brownfields resources projects in difficult jurisdictions. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from the University of the Stellenbosch. His career includes leadership roles at Bateman, DRA Global—where he led major projects such as Kibali Gold—and Petra Diamonds, where he served as Head of Capital Projects. His diverse background, spanning both EPCM and client-side roles, positions him well to lead SENET into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Principal Process Consultant & Head of Studies
Phil Bundo

Phil is a Metallurgical Engineer with 35 years of diversified experience in operational management and technical services of the minerals processing industry. Phil is a Fellow Member of SAIMM; AusIMM and a Member of IOM3. Phil has worked as Senior Vice President (SVP) of SENET for 22 years, responsible for all the aspects related to process design right from concept through to project implementation and commissioning ensuring mineral plants deliver what they are intended to Phil’s extensive background in design and commissioning of plants includes work all over Africa, Minnesota, Chile, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Sweden, with commodities such as gold, silver, copper, uranium, cobalt, coal, tantalum, vermiculite; rare earths and zinc. Phil has recently moved into Principal Process Consultant & Head of Studies role where he will provide strategic technical guidance on studies, mentoring SENET teams, and supporting complex, high-value projects across the business. 

Senior Vice President : Projects
Geoff Sewell

Geoffrey has over 35 years’ business experience in project engineering, project management and manufacturing operations in the chemicals; cement-related materials and the board and timber industries. He is a Mechanical Engineer, holds a Government Certificate of Competency for Factories and has also achieved the PMP certification. The past seventeen years at SENET have been spent in progressively challenging project management roles for various mining companies. His latest appointment as Senior Vice President Projects within SENET sees him accountable for major high-value EPCM / EPC capital projects and responsibility for leading and directing multi-disciplinary project teams.

Vice President : Engineering
Anton van Niekerk

Anton is a Professional Engineer registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) from 1998 as well as being a member of the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineers (SAIMECHE). He has a B.Eng. Mech Engineering (1990) from the University of Pretoria as well as a B Tech Pulp and Paper from the Durban Institute of Technology (DUT). In addition Anton has a Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) in Mining ( 1994) and Factories ( 2004). Anton has over 30 years’ post graduate experience in the mining sector, specializing in Maintenance, Detail Engineering and Project Management of Process Plants, Underground and Surface mining and Factories. He has been involved in this industry on projects from desktop study phase through to detail design, implementation, site construction supervision and commissioning.

Vice President: Projects
Ross A' Bear

Ross has been actively involved in Project Engineering and Project Management across a vast array of industries for over 25 years with a particular focus in the mining sector for the majority of this time. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and has held a PMP certification since 2018. Ross has been at SENET for the last 17 years and has headed up significant projects across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. His current appointment as Vice President Projects broadens his involvement across all projects with an accountability for the success of projects and project teams on an EPC and EPCM basis.

Vice President : Business Development
Ryan Wilson

Ryan boasts nearly 20 years of experience in the mining and minerals sector, with exposure to and involvement in various facets including BD, Studies, Commercial, M&A, and ERM. He holds a Master of Commerce in Business Management from the University of Stellenbosch and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business Practices from the University of Liverpool. Ryan commenced his journey with SENET in 2004, where he contributed to business development, marketing, and studies. Transitioning to DRA in 2014 within the EMEA Projects business, he served as Business Development & Proposals Manager, following his prior role as Business Development Manager at SENET.

Vice President: Process
Mathews Maponopono

Mathews brings over 20 years of diversified experience in operational and process engineering design within the minerals processing and chemical industries. As a Fellow Member of SAIMM and a registered professional with the Engineering Council of South Africa, Mathews has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and technical capability in his role as Process Manager, where he was responsible for all the aspects related to process engineering design from concept through to project implementation and commissioning ensuring plants deliver according to design intent. Mathews has extensive background in flowsheet development, design and commissioning of plants all over Africa, Minnesota, Russia, Romania, Turkey, Dominican Republic, Spain and Saudi Arabia, with commodities such as, copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, iron ore, coal, nickel, PGMs; rare earths and pulp and paper. Projects worked on range in value from US$1 million to US$ 500 million.

Vice President : Finance
Johan Adendorff

Johan Adendorff is a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 13 years of invaluable experience in the dynamic realm of the mining industry. Throughout his career, Johan has held pivotal roles in both international listed contract mining companies and renowned mining houses, contributing significantly to the financial landscape of the industry.

With a robust background in finance, commercial operations, taxation, and administration, Johan has become a trusted figure within the mining finance domain. His expertise spans across diverse regions, notably Africa and South America, where he has navigated complex financial landscapes and delivered strategic insights that drive operational excellence. Johan's journey in the mining industry has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to fostering sustainable growth within the sector.

As a Chartered Accountant, Johan Adendorff brings a unique blend of technical proficiency and strategic vision to the table, enabling him to spearhead initiatives that optimize financial performance and mitigate risks in the ever-evolving mining landscape. Johan Adendorff's journey in the mining industry is a testament to his passion for excellence and his unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world of finance and mining. Johan remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, driving innovation, and shaping the future of mining finance.

Head of People & Culture
Shanta Vengothasamy

Shanta brings over 15 years of progressive HR experience within the mining and construction sectors, navigating complex unionized environments and multi-country operations. Prior to joining SENET, Shanta served as Senior People Manager (Africa) at DRA Projects (EMEA), where she led a dynamic HR team and partnered with business leaders across South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom. Her earlier roles include HR Business Partner for DRA Water.

Shanta holds an Honours degree in Industrial Psychology and is a Chartered HR Professional with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). She has a proven track record in people leadership, talent management employee relations, HR analytics, global mobility and strategy implementation.

Passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering a positive organisational culture, Shanta champions initiatives that motivate employees, encourages wellbeing, and creates an overall inclusive workplace. She is recognized for her ability to influence and position HR as a strategic partner, ensuring that people priorities remain top of mind for the business. Known for her collaborative approach and coaching mindset, Shanta excels at translating business strategy into practical, people-focused solutions that drive organisational success.