Mr Stanley (51) graduated in 1983 with a degree in Mining Engineering from the Camborne School of Mines. From 1983 to 1987 Mr Stanley was employed by De Beers Consolidated Mines in Kimberley initially as a miner and then promoted to Mine Overseer. From 1987 until 1989 Mr Stanley was transferred to the re-opened Koffiefontein Mine as a technical assistant to the Mine Manager and then later as Section Manager responsible for shaft and ground handling infrastructure.

From 1989 to present, Mr Stanley has been a senior executive of his Dar Es Salaam based family business H.J. Stanley & Sons Ltd which is engaged in the manufacturing of salt and coconut growing and processing, as well as logistics support for mining companies in the region.