Thabang Matlala is a Senior Mine Planning Engineer with over nine years of experience in open-cut and underground coal mining operations. He specializes in mine planning, production optimization, resource management, and operational improvement across complex multi-pit mining environments.

He currently serves as a Senior Mine Planning Engineer within the Menar Group, where he oversees planning activities across multiple operations producing approximately 400,000 tonnes of ROM coal per month. Prior to this, he held several technical leadership positions at Exxaro Resources, progressing from Mine Surveyor to Mine Planning Engineer and Senior Mining Engineer Reliever.

Thabang holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Mining from the University of Johannesburg, where his research focused on rehabilitation planning, design, costing, and monitoring practices within opencast coal mining operations in the Witbank Coalfields. He also holds a BTech in Mineral Resource Management, a National Diploma in Mine Surveying, and management qualifications from both the University of South Africa and North-West University.

Known for his analytical approach, technical excellence, and commitment to sustainable mining practices, Thabang continues to drive operational performance while promoting responsible resource development within the South African mining industry.