Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Affiliations
soccer
Timeline
Generic

MAWALA KAUSU

Geologist
Lusaka,09

Summary

I am a geologist experience on different levels of projects related to hands-on geology work and research. My background is in base metal exploration and have hands-on experience in feasibility and mining projects. My role is centered on the structural risks and mine optimisation to the mine value chain and implementing ways to mitigate and report them in time based on the short, medium, and long term mine plan. I offer support to the exploration team and collaborate with surveyors, processing, production geologists, hydrogeologists, resource, and geotechnical engineers. I am adaptable, enthusiastic, and able to transfer my skills with commitment to pursue career development and I have a Remote Pilot License (RPL) to operate a drone.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification

Work History

Senior Geologist

Barrick Mining Corporation, Lumwana Mine
03.2025 - Current
  • Maintained detailed records of geological findings and analyses, ensuring easy access to crucial information for future reference.
  • Managed budgets and resources effectively for multi-million-dollar projects, delivering results on time and within budget constraints.
  • Streamlined fieldwork processes for faster data collection and reduced environmental impact.
  • Increased project efficiency by implementing innovative geologic mapping techniques and data analysis methods.
  • Lead and manage structural geology team in generating geology and structural models in accordance with required codes and international standards for mine planning
  • Provides technical guidance in developing and updating 3D geological and structural models to the resource team.
  • Ensure the efficient coordination of the geological and structural modelling activities to meet operational targets.
  • Report on any changes made to geological models, assess and communicate their impact on the mine planning process.
  • Ensure the continuous development of the structural geology team, fostering skill growth and a deep understanding of geological modelling procedures.
  • Provide support to the planning and excution of Geotechnical and Super pit drill holes to collect the necessary data for mine operations
  • Evaluate weathering variations on main ore bodies and incorporate this into strategic planning for mine operations.
  • Ensure the implementation of geologica structural QAQC procedures and standards throughout all geological activities.
  • Ensure geological data is managed, appropriately stored, and correctly utilized in Datashed, Leapfrog and Vulcan.
  • Maintain and manage geological mapping of exposed pit walls, ensuring consistent and accurate reporting.
  • Development of the structural geology team in terms of skills and full understanding of geological modelling procedures.
  • Develop, implement, and manage the annual budget for geological and structural activities, ensuring that all tasks are completed within budget constraints.
  • Effectively manage resources and coordinate the team to meet operational goals within the prescribed budget
  • Ensure adherence to all statutory requirements and Company Safety, Health and Environmental standards and procedures.

Structural Geologist.

Barrick Gold Corporation- Lumwana Mine, Zambia.
08.2020 - Current
  • My role involves working with consultants, internal and external stakeholders where I provide structural data key to the implementation of mining projects. I have been exposed to three (3) different responsibilities in my current role where I have been seconded twice. First to the initiation of the Lumwana expansion exploration project in 2021 with a budget of $11 Million and secondly to Kibali Gold Mine in Congo where I was exposed to an underground gold mining project. I have successfully trained 7 geologists and 20 technicians. I work collaboratively with the mining, drilling, and blasting, geotechnical, exploration, production, and processing team in highlighting structural data that has implications on the structural integrity of drilling projects, the pit walls, mapping of the geological information that may not be picked up in the grade control/diamond drilling and communicating the deleterious minerals that impact the process plant.
  • One of my main accomplishments has been managing the structural section for a year on my own since my supervisor got seconded to the exploration team. I have been able to provide structural and lithological geology data for geotechnical purposes. I update and maintain the 3D structural model for the purpose integration of structural data in the grade control and resource modelling processes. This is in addition to the provision of technical and geological support to the mine operations.
  • Structural Mapping Geologist.
  • Role outcome: I was seconded to the exploration team and initiated the data collection and quality control of 4 diamond drill rigs, drawing of sections, logging, sampling, and dispatch of samples in addition to my role in the structural team. Further resource work was with 10 diamond rigs and ensuring that the work was carried out safely. My role was to transition the project to the new geologists and technicians to improve their general knowledge of the local geology, orebody styles and characteristics, procedures and skills related to daily geological work. I facilitated in the setup of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)and implementation of corrective actions as required.
  • All the above tasks were done alongside my core duties which involved the achievement of structural and geological pit mapping to predict and communicate high walls with potential to cause geotechnical challenges, collection of structural data from the exploration projects for the purpose of building structural models. This data is also valid for integration in the drill and blast designs. I delivered the validated triangulation data (meshes, wireframes) of geological and geotechnical elements.

Coordinator - Structural Geology

Barrick Mining Corporation, Lumwana Mine
03.2024 - 03.2025
  • generated reports for the weekly and monthly data, and produced tracking documents.
  • Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
  • Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
  • Ensure alignment on all Geological aspects of the FS to ensure optimal delivery of the project.
  • Coordinate and provide weekly structural data and lithological data to the Drill and blast mine planners and relevant drill and blast business partners.
  • Quarterly Provide technical and geological support to Mine Projects operations, through delivery of suitable source of haul road material, through the update of the Rolling model.
  • Support the implementation of a new and agile rolling plan and align on leading and lagging indicators in use.
  • Coordinate and participate in the collection of structural data from the on-going Lumwana Expansion projects for the purpose of building structural models.
  • Quarterly Update and Maintenance of the structural model for the purpose of integration of structural data in the drill and blast designs, for the Rolling Model and Budget Models.
  • Facilitate skill transfer to the structural modeling team to ensure continuous improvement in modeling techniques and methods.
  • Ensure adherence to all statutory requirements and Company Safety, Health and Environmental standards and procedures.

Exploration Geologist (Local Graduate Program- LGP).

First Quantum Minerals and Operations (FQMO).
04.2018 - 04.2020
  • Role Outcome: The average budget for the exploration projects was $500, 000 to $750, 000 for both base metals and geophysical exploration. My role involved working under the project geologist to plan and conduct geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys. I was able to provide updates to the senior geologist about drilling activities and lithological changes while applying skills in GIS software (MapInfo and QGIS). I measured geophysical Earth characteristics such as gravity, radioactivity, ground seismic and magnetic fields with equipment such as Tromino, Gravimeter and Magnetometers. I was able to manage diamond, aircore and RC rigs to include preparation of sampling sheets and logging. My key learnings were the understanding of the sediment-hosted copper mineralization, experience in geochemical and geophysical exploration techniques, basic interpretation of geophysical data through acquisition and pre-processing of the collected data.

Research Assistant.

University of Zambia, School of Mines
01.2016 - 11.2016
  • During my undergraduate studies, I undertook geochemical mineral exploration and environmental assessment of Lead (Pb) pollution in Kabwe Town. This involved field mapping, collection of soil samples, stream sediment sampling, analysis and data interpretation, statistical distribution analysis and delineation of anomalous areas.

Education

Master of Science - Project Management

Texila American University
01.2024

Bachelor of Mineral Science - Geology

The University of Zambia
01.2017

Basic ICT Skills - Certificate of Competence

The University of Zambia
01.2015

GCE Advanced Level - A-Levels

Hillcrest National Technical School
01.2011

Skills

  • Structural mapping and interpretation, geological modelling, technical data analysis, geophysical and geochemical data interpretation, regional tectonic evaluations, structural data analysis, core sampling, core logging, data collection, research and report writing, QAQC of sampling and assay data, DD and RC hole design, scheduling and budgeting, and execution, mentorship and training and drone operation
  • Vulcan, Leapfrog, Surpac, Micromine, Roc Science, Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth, MapInfo

Certification

  • 2023 PROWINGS TRAINING, South Africa. Remote Piloted Aircraft System (Remote Pilot License) Certification.
  • ROCSCIENCE, Canada. Certification in DIPS, SLIDE2, SLIDE3, RS2, RSADATA, ROCPLANE, ROCKTOPPLE and SWEDGE.
  • CHAMBER OF MINES ZAMBIA- COUNCIL FOR FIRST AID General Certificate in Mining First Aid.
  • SEEQUENT Leapfrog Advanced Training Certificate
  • 2022 MICROMINE ORIGIN Introduction to Micromine
  • MAPTEK, South Africa. Vulcan Geotechnical Tools
  • 2021 MAPTEK, South Africa. Introduction to Vulcan and Vulcan Block Modelling and Resource Estimation.
  • 2020 FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD Certificate of Service (Graduate Geologist)
  • RANKIN CONSULTANCY PL (t/a Geointerp), Aeromagnetics, Geology and Exploration Certificate.
  • 2019 SEEQUENT. Leapfrog Fundamentals.
  • 2018 KANSANSHI MINING PLC. Basic Radiation Safety Certification.
  • Most Hardworking Graduate Geologist Award.

References

Dr. Kawawa, Banda, Senior Lecturer, The University of Zambia., +260 977 533 041, The University of Zambia, Zambia

Affiliations

  • Society of Economic Geologists (SEG)
  • Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ)
  • Geological Society of Zambia (GSZ)

soccer

Play mandalas soccer in my free time

Timeline

Senior Geologist

Barrick Mining Corporation, Lumwana Mine
03.2025 - Current

Coordinator - Structural Geology

Barrick Mining Corporation, Lumwana Mine
03.2024 - 03.2025

Structural Geologist.

Barrick Gold Corporation- Lumwana Mine, Zambia.
08.2020 - Current

Exploration Geologist (Local Graduate Program- LGP).

First Quantum Minerals and Operations (FQMO).
04.2018 - 04.2020

Research Assistant.

University of Zambia, School of Mines
01.2016 - 11.2016

Bachelor of Mineral Science - Geology

The University of Zambia

Basic ICT Skills - Certificate of Competence

The University of Zambia

GCE Advanced Level - A-Levels

Hillcrest National Technical School

Master of Science - Project Management

Texila American University

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MAWALA KAUSUGeologist