Renowned geoscientist and advocate for inclusive leadership, Noleen Pauls, has been appointed President of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) for the term 2025 to 2027, marking a new chapter in a distinguished career spanning over two decades.
Pauls, who currently serves as Board Chairperson of Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA), is widely respected for her multi-faceted leadership across the mining and geology sectors. Her appointment to the GSSA presidency is being celebrated across the industry as a major milestone—not only for her, but for the broader push toward diversity, mentorship, and community-building in geosciences.
In a LinkedIn post, WiMSA congratulated Pauls, saying: “Leading across geology, mining, and mentorship, Noleen Pauls embodies the kind of leadership that inspires—steadfast, purpose-driven, and focused on creating lasting impact.”
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Pauls’s career began in Mafikeng, in South Africa’s North West province, and has taken her across continents—from mineral exploration projects in Africa and South America to her current work as Principal Geoscientist for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Reflex, a subsidiary of Imdex Limited. She has more than 20 years of experience in multi-commodity mineral exploration and evaluation of gold, platinum, chrome, iron, and coal throughout Africa, as well as gold exploration in South and Central America, based in Peru. She is also a registered professional with SACNASP.
She has held senior roles in both corporate and advisory capacities, including working with junior explorers and major mining firms on resource evaluation, project development, and field mapping. Her geological expertise is matched by her reputation for integrity, collaboration, and mentorship—particularly through her work at WiMSA, where she has led numerous outreach and leadership initiatives and continues to be a patron and past chairperson.
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As President of the GSSA, Pauls is expected to bring her trademark clarity and inclusive leadership to the forefront. She assumes the presidency at a pivotal time, as South Africa’s geoscience and mining sectors grapple with declining exploration investment, calls for sustainability, and the need for digital transformation.
Her presidency also signals a meaningful shift in what leadership looks like in the geoscience field. As one of few women to hold such a senior post in South Africa’s mining and geology landscape, Pauls’s work continues to elevate conversations around representation, mental wellness, career advancement, and transformation in the sector.
With Pauls at the helm, the Geological Society is poised to expand its impact on research, policy engagement, and professional development, while strengthening ties across academic institutions, government, and industry stakeholders.
