Dr Umeesha Naidoo works across industry planning and development in South Africa’s mining, metals and related sectors. Her experience spans industrial policy, minerals beneficiation, mining and metallurgy technology development, and the transition towards lower-carbon industry. Before joining the IDC, she held roles at the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology and within South Africa’s platinum mining industry. She is also involved in initiatives supporting steel decarbonisation, critical minerals development and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.