Daniel Mudau
Geologist
Polokwane
Summary
Daniel Mudau is a chief geologist with over 20 years of experience across exploration, mining operations, and technical services in Africa and the Middle East. He has led multidisciplinary teams in both open-pit and underground environments, translating geological insight into strategic value. Recognised for driving innovation in grade control, modelling, and resource estimation, he has implemented systems that improved orebody confidence, mine-to-mill integration, and operational efficiency.
With a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice, Daniel combines strategic vision with technical depth. He has built high-performing teams, established governance frameworks, and delivered measurable improvements in planning, reconciliation, and cost optimisation. His leadership has unlocked underutilised mineral potential, enhanced recovery, and aligned geology functions with business objectives to drive long-term value and sustainable growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
6
6
Languages
Work History
Principal Consultant Geologist
RVN Group
10.2024 - Current
- Leadership & Strategic Oversight: Direct multi-disciplinary geological projects, overseeing resource evaluations and technical reviews for critical mineral deposits across in South Africa and Africa.
- Operational Excellence: Established comprehensive standards and procedures enhancing drilling, sampling, grade control, and reporting workflows, driving operational consistency and quality.
- Transformational Impact: Identified and validated substantial previously unrecognized mineral reserves through advanced data interpretation methodologies, significantly enhancing asset value.
- Capability Development: Championed advanced geological modelling training, empowering teams with cutting-edge 3D data analysis tools, improving decision-making accuracy.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Deliver high-level technical reports and presentations to executive management and stakeholders, facilitating informed strategic decisions.
Chief Geologist
Khoemacau Copper Mine Ltd
01.2022 - 02.2024
- Executive Leadership: Led cross-functional geology teams driving exploration, grade control, resource evaluation, and Geometallurgy integration aligned with corporate objectives.
- Cost Optimization & Process Improvement: Achieved measurable cost reductions in underground sampling through process optimization while maintaining data integrity.
- Strategic Integration: Developed and institutionalized a robust mine-to-mill reconciliation system, enhancing operational transparency and performance metrics.
- Value Creation: Leveraged Geometallurgy insights to optimize metal recovery processes, directly contributing to improved financial outcomes.
Chief Geologist
Ma’aden Gold and Base Metals Company
10.2018 - 12.2021
- Team Leadership & Development: Managed and mentored geology professionals, fostering a culture of excellence in geological mapping, grade control, and resource management.
- Geological and Structural Modelling: Directed reinterpretation initiatives that refined geological models, strengthening mine planning and production forecasting capabilities.
- Operational Reporting: Oversaw monthly mine-to-mill reconciliation processes, providing actionable insights to executive leadership.
Chief Geologist
Bokoni Platinum Mine
02.2013 - 10.2017
- Departmental Leadership: Headed geology department operations, including resource estimation, drilling programs, and reconciliation activities, aligning geology functions with corporate goals.
- Performance Enhancement: Delivered a 10% improvement in ore grade through implementation of robust grade control systems while generating significant cost savings.
- Talent Management: Spearheaded professional development initiatives to upskill geology teams and improve operational efficiency.
Senior Resource Geologist
Snowden Mining Consulting
06.2011 - 01.2013
- Technical Advisory: Prepared Competent Person Reports and conducted high-level resource evaluations supporting investment and operational decisions.
- Client Capacity Building: Delivered specialized training programs to clients, elevating technical proficiency in geological modelling and quality assurance.
Senior Consulting Geologist
Platreef Resources (Ivan plats)
04.2010 - 06.2011
- Project Leadership: Managed core logging and geological interpretation, overseeing exploration drilling plans and execution to support resource development.
Shaft Geologist
Twickenham Platinum Mine, Anglo Platinum
06.2008 - 01.2010
- Operational Leadership: Directed underground mapping, reef delineation, and drilling initiatives, achieving grade improvements while maintaining exemplary safety standards.
- Process Standardization: Developed and implemented geology department standards to enhance operational effectiveness and reporting accuracy.
Pit Geologist
Mogalakwena Platinum Mine, Anglo Platinum
03.2005 - 06.2008
- Technical Leadership: Led development of 3D geological models and supervised drilling and sampling operations, ensuring strict compliance with QA/QC and safety protocols.
- Team Development: Mentored junior staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.
Project Geologist
De Beers Consolidated Mines
07.2004 - 02.2005
- Managed deep resource drilling programs.
- Supervised sample collection and geophysical data acquisition.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Management Practice
Henley Business School
01.2025
Certificate - Basics of Project Management
UNISA
01.2007
Junior Management Programme - undefined
Wits Business School/Anglo American
01.2006
BSc Honours - Geology
University of the Witwatersrand
01.2003
Matriculation - undefined
Thengwe High School
01.1996
Skills
- Strategic Technical Services Leadership & Mine Planning Integration
- Mineral Resource & Reserve Management
- Grade Control Systems & Mine-to-Mill Reconciliation
- Technical Governance, Reporting & Audit Preparedness
- Team Leadership, Coaching & Organisational Development
- Departmental Systems Design, SOPs & Process Optimisation
- Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Alignment
- ESG Compliance, Risk Management & Regulatory Assurance
- Geometallurgy Integration for Recovery Optimisation
- Software Proficiency: Datamine, Leapfrog, Surpac, Deswick, acQuire
References
Mpfari, Mudau, mpfari@rvngroup.co.za, +27 81484 2062, The RVN Group, Mineral Resource Manager
Interests
Technology & Innovation, Farming, Athletics, Music, Soccer
Awards
Nominated for Junior Managers Programme – Wits University & Anglo Platinum (2006), Book Prize (Mineral Services Lab) – Best in Diamond Quality Evaluation (2004), Anthony Scarrot Prize in Geology (2003), Chamber of Mines Gold Medal in Earth Sciences (2003)
Affiliations
- Registered Professional Natural Scientist – SACNASP (Practice No: 400035/09)
- Member, Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA)
Timeline
Principal Consultant Geologist
RVN Group
10.2024 - Current
Chief Geologist
Khoemacau Copper Mine Ltd
01.2022 - 02.2024
Chief Geologist
Ma’aden Gold and Base Metals Company
10.2018 - 12.2021
Chief Geologist
Bokoni Platinum Mine
02.2013 - 10.2017
Senior Resource Geologist
Snowden Mining Consulting
06.2011 - 01.2013
Senior Consulting Geologist
Platreef Resources (Ivan plats)
04.2010 - 06.2011
Shaft Geologist
Twickenham Platinum Mine, Anglo Platinum
06.2008 - 01.2010
Pit Geologist
Mogalakwena Platinum Mine, Anglo Platinum
03.2005 - 06.2008
Project Geologist
De Beers Consolidated Mines
07.2004 - 02.2005
Certificate - Basics of Project Management
UNISA
Junior Management Programme - undefined
Wits Business School/Anglo American
BSc Honours - Geology
University of the Witwatersrand
Matriculation - undefined
Thengwe High School
Postgraduate Diploma - Management Practice
Henley Business School
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