Hanekom holds an MSc in mining engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand. He joined the CSIR in 2022, as a mining expert in the mining cluster, focusing on the development of projects and staff within mining and rock engineering fields. Having over 35 years of experience in the mining industry, having worked in operations and as a consultant for local and international operations. He was awarded honourable membership to SANIRE (South African Institute for Rock Engineers) in 2022 for his service to the rock engineering fraternity over many years. Hanekom is still involved in the development of practitioners in the industry.

Expertise: Rock engineering, mining