Full Name: Clifford Gordon Hallatt
Position: COO of Canyon Coal
Main Activity of the Company: Coal exploration, mining and processing
Date and Place of Birth: June 28, 1985, Kempton Park, Gauteng
Education: BSc (Geography and Environmental Management), University of Johannesburg (UJ), 2006; BSc (Hons) (Geography), UJ, 2007; diploma in geographic information systems, University of South Africa, 2009
First Job: Business analyst at Fernridge Consulting, 2007 to 2011
Career History Prior to Current Position: Business analyst at Fernridge Consulting, 2007 to 2011; environmental consultant at SLR Consulting, 2011 to 2013; senior environmental officer at Canyon Coal, 2013 to 2016; exploration and mine development manager at Canyon Coal, 2016 to 2018; head of projects at Menar Capital, 2018 to 2021
Size of First Pay Packet: R6 500 a month
First Job with Present Group: Senior environmental officer
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under your Leadership: 641
Management Style: Democratic management – two heads are better than one
Personal Best Achievement: Being happily married and raising two beautiful children
Professional Best Achievement: The planning and development of multiple coal mining operations
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: A close friend and former colleague
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The Dutch engineers who developed the first water dikes. I would love to experience the world through their eyes. How innovative must you be if you are faced with a problem, with limited technology and equipment at your disposal, and you decide the solution to your problem is to move the ocean, and then successfully implement your plan?
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Our executive chairperson, who, from a young age, has scaled unparalleled heights through dedication and perseverance”
Philosophy of Life: Respect is earned, not given
Biggest Ever Opportunity: My recent appointment as COO of Canyon Coal
Biggest Ever Disappointment: There have been numerous disappointments in my life; however, each has been an opportunity to learn, solve the problem that caused the disappointment and grow from the experience
Hope for the Future: That South Africa has leaders with integrity to develop our country to its full potential
Favourite Reading: African adventures
Favourite TV Programme: The Unit
Favourite Food/Drink: Braai and a cold beer
Favourite Music: All genres, except jazz
Favourite Sport: Athletics
Favourite Website: www.miningmx.com and www.miningweekly.com
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and camping
Car: VW Amarok
Pets: Three dogs and a tortoise
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Listening to respond instead of listening to participate
Favourite Other South African Company: Wescoal
Favourite Foreign Company: SpaceX
Married: To Helene Putter, since January 5, 2008
Children: Amy,10; Eben, 7
Clubs: South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association