About
Hq
Pretoria,
South Africa
Commodities
Gold, iron ore, chrome coal, platinum, phosphate
Shareholding
Hall Core is jointly owned by Newham Investments and Master Drilling, the only JSE-listed drilling company in South Africa, renowned for its pioneering mineral exploration and mining technology solutions.
Master Drilling provides a comprehensive range of drilling, boring, and advanced safety solutions to the global mining sector. Our strategic partnerships ensure cutting-edge exploration innovation, enhanced drilling safety and industry-leading efficiency.
Our Team
Board of directors
Jayson
Robbertse
As CEO, Jayson leads Hall Core with a steadfast focus on fostering relationships with key stakeholders and driving strategic business growth. With a business management degree from Stellenbosch Business School, Jayson brings a wealth of expertise and a global perspective to the role.
Jayson’s career began at Downtown Consulting, where he honed his skills in the competitive London office before returning to South Africa to establish and lead the Johannesburg branch. This experience not only sharpened his business acumen, but also instilled in him a deep understanding of navigating complex markets. Today, Jayson’s vision and leadership continue to steer Hall Core toward innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable success.
Chief Executive Officer
Cloete
van Heerden
Head of Strategy, Innovation & Operations
Cloete is the driving force behind Hall Core’ strategic direction, innovation, and operational excellence. Alongside Jayson Robbertse, Cloete acquired the business and has been instrumental in overseeing its growth and transformation from the very beginning.
A qualified chartered accountant, Cloete completed his articles at PwC in the metals and mining division, gaining invaluable industry insights and financial expertise. Under his stewardship, Hall Core has assembled a highly skilled and well-rounded team, enabling him to focus on long-term strategy, while ensuring that Hall Core remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions and maintaining the highest technical standards.
Eddie
Dixon
Non-Executive Director
Eddie is a highly experienced drilling expert with extensive experience in executing large and complex projects. With a background in engineering and a MBA from the University of Potchefstroom, Eddie combines technical knowledge with strategic insight. As Technical Director, Eddie oversees all technical aspects of the business while playing a vital role in driving the company’s pursuit of innovation and development.
André
Van Deventer
Non-Executive Director
André brings decades of financial expertise to Hall Core in his role as Non-Executive Director. As the current Financial Director of Master Drilling, André plays a key role in steering the strategic financial direction of both companies.
His career began at Gericke, Rademeyer & Newton Walker Chartered Accounts, where he worked as an accountant from 1995 to 1999. He then served as Financial Manager at Beefmaster (Pty) Ltd before joining Master Drilling in 2001. A professional member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), André is a valued advisor to the Hall Core leadership team.
Executive management
Ignus
Storm
Chief Operating Officer
Ignus is at the helm of Hall Core’s operational performance, ensuring the seamless execution of the company’s daily activities. As a senior member of the Innovations Board, he also plays a key role in driving forward-thinking initiatives that enhance Hall Core’s competitive edge.
With a Master’s degree in engineering and a degree in geology, among other qualifications, Ignus’ multidisciplinary expertise equips him to oversee both operational efficiency and innovation. Before joining Hall Core, he served as Technical Manager for Basil Read’s mining contract at Vedanta. Ignus’ leadership reflects a commitment to operational excellence and the pursuit of groundbreaking advancements in the exploration sector.
Buhle
Biyela
Human Resources Manager
Buhle (BB) is a seasoned Human Resource manager. She holds an undergraduate and honours degree in Industrial Sociology from the University of Zululand and has held several senior HR positions in the mining and industrial industry, including companies such as Eskom, Sasol and Nkomati Mine.
Her wide and in-depth experience makes Buhle a versatile player in Hall Core’s team where she regularly showcases her exceptional ability to work with people on all levels in the organisation. BB plays an integral role within Hall Core where she works with the business to attract and retain top talent, while overseeing the performance management processes of the team.
Maruschka
du Plessis
Financial Director
Maruschka oversees all aspects of finance and governance at Hall Core, ensuring the company’s financial integrity and operational efficiency. A qualified Chartered Accountant since 2011, Maruschka completed her articles at Deloitte, gaining a strong foundation in financial management and compliance.
Before joining Hall Core, Maruschka held senior financial roles in the food and mining industries, where she honed her skills in navigating complex financial landscapes. Her meticulous approach and strategic insight make her an indispensable member of the leadership team, driving sound governance and sustainable growth for the business.
Raymondt
Coleman
Head of Safety
Raymond is a dedicated safety professional with a wealth of experience in mining safety. Known for his inspirational leadership, Raymond is committed to fostering a culture where injury-free operations are the norm, not the exception.
His extensive list of qualifications includes NEBOSH, COMSOC, and SAMTRAC certifications, which equip him with the expertise to set and maintain the highest safety standards.
Executive management
Justus
Lemmer
Project Manager
(Large Projects)
Justus heads up Hall Core’s large projects, overseeing both surface and underground drilling operations. He joined Hall Core Drilling in 2019 as Head of Safety and has played a key role in strengthening the company’s safety culture, operational standards and risk management practices.
With a proven track record in leadership and compliance, Justus has led numerous successful initiatives focused on aligning operations with ISO standards and the Mine Health and Safety Act. His hands-on approach to site management, combined with his ability to develop and implement robust policies and procedures, have made a significant impact across the organisation. Justus holds an array of qualifications, including Comsoc and Samtrac.
Justus brings a wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and a results-driven mindset to our business. His leadership plays an integral role in achieving Hall Core’s mission to be the leading drilling operator in the world.
History
Founded in 2000 with a single spindle-type drill rig, Hall Core has evolved into a leading mineral exploration and drilling services provider, operating in over 16 African countries, as far north as the Sahara Desert in Mauritania.
Since 2007, our expansion has been driven by cutting-edge drilling technology, remote-controlled drilling innovations, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, we own and operate some of the most advanced core drilling rigs in the world, continuously redefining the future of sustainable mineral exploration.
At Hall Core, we refuse to accept the status quo, because redefining the future of exploration is in our DNA.
Mission
To play an integral role in ensuring our clients’ sustained success by collaborating with them to discover, expand and define their resources.
Vision
To lead the industry by offering our clients the most innovative, professional and reliable resource discovery and definition services.
Values
- Professional
- Trustworthy
- Progressive
- Excellence-driven
