Bw Oosthuizen

Experience

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  HelpU Debt Counsellors

  Nov 2013 - Oct 2015

  IT Technician and Systems Programmer

  Reported directly to the Owner and Office Manager. Daily responsibilities included:o Programming, development and maintenance of SQL database applications.o Responsible for providing on-site support for desktop hardware/software, emails, printer and network-related issues.

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  University of the Free State

  Jan 2016 - Dec 2017

  Academic Demonstrator

  Tutored the following practical courses: general geology, geology, applied sedimentology, petrographical mineralogy, environmental geology, environmental geochemistry and analytical geochemistry. I reported directly to the course lecturer and daily responsibilities included:o Led, encouraged and mentored students on the practical application of a subject.o Provided feedback to lecturers and students.o Evaluated students (drafted and graded written and oral tests).

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  Petra Diamonds

  Jan 2018 - Jan 2023

  Senior position reporting to the Group Manager: Planning, and periodically to the Lead: Planning.Mining Methods: Sublevel and Block CavingMain Responsibilities:o Lead the strategic planning of sublevel and block caving mining operations, including mine design, sequencing, and scheduling, to align with both short-term and long-term production goals.o Calculated the capital requirements of a project consisting of 19 km of development and 21 million tonnes of production.o Utilized specialized software to develop comprehensive mining plans (MineRP Planner, Studio5D, and EPS).o Co-led pre- and feasibility studies of projects exceeding $250 million.o Led a team of over 30 consultants in the write-up of the Finsch Lower Block 5 feasibility study.o Conducted and led mining method, equipment selection, manpower, and production requirement studies.o Conducted studies aimed at optimizing mining methods, procedures, and equipment to maximize productivity and extraction rates.o Assisted in the deployment and testing of integrated mine planning and scheduling platforms (UG WiFi, short-interval control, Sandvik Optimine and Automine) Show less The junior mining engineering position followed a fast-tracking program to mining management and focused on the exposure to different levels of supervision and team management.Mining Methods: Sublevel and Block CavingMain Responsibilities:Production Supervisoro Managed teams to reach production targets and HSE standards.o Supervised the preparation of tunnels for drilling or charging.o Managed long-hole drilling teams using Epiroc Simba M4C and ME7C drill rigso Charged and timed production rings/slots.o Supervised loading crews and equipment to achieve production targets, maintained levels(ventilation, roadways, general housekeeping, and dewatering), conducted secondary blasting of draw points.Drill & Blast Engineero Reported to: Section Engineer - Drill and Blasto Designed stopes and long-hole ring/slotting drill plans.o Created the firing sequence and timing of long-hole rings and slots.o Oversaw the underground timing of specialized blasts.o Inspected draw points to analyze blasting quality and monitor rock flow dynamics, carried out weekly technical analysis of drill and blast performance.o Mentored drill rig specialists, researched and resolved drilling problems.Production Planning and Scheduling Engineero Reported to: Senior Mine Planner and Section Engineer - Drill and Blast.o Conducted the short-term planning of a new production level.o Created the production schedule and resource allocation for a new SLC level.o Provided consultation on production targets and feasibility of plans.Mine Optimization and Business Improvement Engineero Evaluated operational performance and conducted idea generation sessions for optimization projects.o Identified, scoped, and executed various business improvement projects.o Maintained and updated KPIs, utilizing them for performance monitoring and improvements.o Projects were focused on drilling, loading and underground infrastructure. Show less Program focused on multi-section mining exposure, experience and training in the extraction of minerals in preparation of obtaining a DMR Blasting Certificate. General responsibilities included: The supervision of various underground functions of a massive mechanized mine. Leading, motivating and managing diverse and differently skilled teams. Development of personal safety culture.Areas worked:o Development (6 Months)Assisted in the safe development of access and production sub-level caving tunnels (Sandvik DD421 development drill rigs, Sandvik support rigs, LH410 loaders).o Production Loading, Drilling and Blasting (4 Months) Supervising SLC production loading (Sandvik LH410). Execution of secondary blasting - big rocks and hangups (draw points and ore passes). Assisting and supervising long-hole drilling (Epiroc Simba M4/ME7C drill rigs) and charging.o Construction and Ground Handling (1 Month)Maintenance of underground roads, and installation of service and ventilation pipes.Supervision of ground handling infrastructure - jaw/cone crushers, bulkheads and conveyors.o Technical Services (1 Month)Exposure to the responsibilities and processes of the Survey, Geology and Geo-technical Departments. Show less

  • Group Mining Engineer: Planning and Simulation

    Feb 2021 - Jan 2023

  • Junior Mining Engineer (Various Positions)

    Jan 2019 - Feb 2021

  • Young Graduate - Mining Engineering

    Jan 2018 - Dec 2018
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  AngloGold Ashanti

  Jan 2023 - Feb 2024

  Specialist Mining Engineer: Underground Mine Planning

  Specialist position reporting to the Senior Technical Services Manager. Geita Gold Mine is a Tier 1 asset in AngloGold Ashanti's portfolio (500k+ ounces p.a.), Bw provides mine planning leadership and support to a team of 15+ mining engineers (graduate to superintendent) across three underground operations.Mining Methods: Longitudinal and Transverse Long- Hole Open Stoping with BackfillingMain Responsibilities:o Guides planning teams in mine design and scheduling processes using Datamine StudioUG, EPS and Vulcan.o Responsible for overseeing and signing off 1500+ metres of development and 300kt+ of ore production a month (3-month plans, mining instructions, stope and survey notes etc.)o Guides and leads the preparation of mining plans (short-term to LOM).o Conducts LOM scenario analysis, mineral reserve estimation and economic analysis.o Guides cut-off grade calculations and stope selection processes.o Assists with ventilation design (layouts, fan selection and main fan chamber designs).o Manages mine planning systems, ensuring processes and procedures are developed and documented.o Regularly implements solutions for improved mine design, efficiency, productivity, and safety.o Assists in optimizing backfilling processes.o Oversees mining contractors, ensuring they comply with operational standards, safety regulations, and development and production goals.o Supports the professional development and mentoring of planning engineers.o Ensures operations adhere to industry regulations and safety standards.o Stay current with industry advancements and continuously expand his knowledge and skills. Show less

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  Barminco

  Feb 2024 - now

  Senior Mining Engineer

  Senior project and technical position reporting to the Project Manager and Operations Manager. Zone 5 Copper Mine is a Tier 1 underground copper and silver asset producing 3.8 Mt of ore annually with 1,500 metres of development per month. Responsible for leading and providing technical support within the contract, and overseeing a team of 15 mining engineers across 3 mining corridors.Mining Method: Longitudinal Long-Hole Open StopingMain Responsibilities:o Lead the technical engineering team in short- to medium-term mine planning functions using Deswik (.CAD, .IS, and OPS. with PowerBI staging)o Manage all technical engineering aspects required to achieve 1500+ meters of development and 300kt+ of ore production a month (daily to 3-month plans, drill and blast, geotechnical, and survey).o Manage mine planning systems, ensuring processes and procedures are developed and documented.o Provide technical advice in preparing medium-term to LOM plans.o Drive technical mining and development optimisation projects to support revenue generation and cost reduction initiatives.o Support senior management in upholding operational standards, safety regulations, and development and production goals.o Plan and forecast supporting activities and services (ventilation, reticulation, raise boring etc.).o Develop and improve the tracking of various operational KPIs to scope and implement improvement projects.o Support the management of site finances and assist in budget preparations.o Regularly implement solutions for improved mine design, efficiency, productivity, and safety.o Support the professional development and mentoring of technical engineers. Show less