Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Software
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic
Leonita Kühn

Leonita Kühn

Geologist
Kathu

Summary

I am an accomplished geologist with a passion for mining, boasting 5 years of experience in the manganese mining sector. My career exemplifies dedication and adaptability, as I consistently strive for optimal results in diverse environments. I possess strong technical skills complemented by effective leadership abilities, fostering collaboration within teams to meet company objectives. My extensive experience includes challenging roles in geology, encompassing production, exploration, and grade control, where I have successfully navigated lean systems. Additionally, my project management capabilities have been further enhanced through earning my Greenbelt certification, showcasing my commitment to driving excellence in every project I undertake.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications

Work History

Senior Grade Geologist

South 32 - Mamatwan Open Cast Mine
8 2021 - Current
  • I am currently employed as the Senior Grade Geologist overseeing the product quality and loading of ROM including inpit geology.
  • I have also been managing the geological short-range model for 3 years which includes drillhole data imports (exploration and RC), wireframe updates, structural updates, block model setup and validations, through the use of Leapfrog Software. I also stringently apply set QAQC standards to ensure quality outputs from the process.
  • I have improved geological mapping accuracy by implementing advanced techniques and technologies in data collection through 3D survey techniques and Leapfrog modelling.
  • Main priorities also include managing RC and exploration drilling campaigns and contractors on site. This included assistance with onboarding the contractors, risk assessments and equipment onboarding to standard, as well as guiding new teams into the mine safety culture and processes.
  • I also strongly ensure adherence to safety protocols during fieldwork and within working sites, minimizing incidents and fostering a culture of safety.
  • I constantly strive to identify opportunities for process improvements within the organization by conducting regular reviews of our existing workflows and procedures. I have assisted in setting standards and optimized production at the current mine in terms of our blending strategy of which I also completed my Greenbelt Six Sigma certificate pertaining to this project.
  • We constantly mentor junior geologists and graduates by sharing expertise and providing guidance on project tasks, fostering a supportive work environment.

Acting Plant Process Planner

South 32 - Mamatwan Opencast Mine
07.2022 - 12.2022
  • Acting additionally as the Process Plant Planner overseeing planning of plant load and haul activities and ensuring proper stockpile management and planning.

Acting Grade Control Supervisor

South 32 - Wessels Underground Mine
01.2021 - 04.2021
  • Acted in the Grade Control Supervisor post managing the sampling teams
  • Main responsibilities were stockpile management, quality dispatches (trains and roadtrucks), manage effective sampling protocols including QAQC and team dynamics.

Acting Geology Specialist - Core yard Supervisor

South 32 - Mamatwan Opencast Mine
08.2020 - 03.2021
  • Acted for 7 months as the geology specialist and supervisor of the exploration core yard activities at Hotazel, South 32
  • Responsibilities included exploration tasks such as logging, sampling, QAQC, analysis, data reporting as well as team coordination and management
  • I also helped with the Purchase Orders within SAP gaining knowledge into that process.

Graduate in Training Geology

South 32 - HMM Operations
1 2019 - 1 2021
  • Completed the graduate in training program on the South 32 HMM operations, Hotazel
  • Exposure was within underground and open pit mining mainly focusing on grade control, mineral processing, exploration, and production geology but other departments were also covered such as safety, geotech and planning to name a few.

Education

BSc. Honors in Environmental Sciences with Environmental Geology - Geology

NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY
POTCHEFSTROOM, NORTHWEST
01.2018 - 12.2018

BSc. Environmental and Biological Sciences (Geology and Geography) - Geology

NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY
POTCHEFSTROOM, NORTHWEST
01.2015 - 12.2017

Matric Certificate -

KATHU HIGHSCHOOL
KATHU, NORTHERN CAPE
01.2014 - 12.2014

Skills

Active listening and excellent communication

Good at problem solving and analytical problems

Management and supervision

Effective verbal and communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Proficient modelling software capabilities (Leapfrog)

Data management and project planning

Data analysis and interpretation

Technical reporting

General geological skills, sampling, mapping, logging, survey, quality control

Use of geological equipment

Personal Information

  • ID Number: 960728 0326 086
  • Ethnicity: White
  • Date of Birth: 07/28/96
  • Gender: Female
  • Nationality: South African Citizen
  • Language: English and Afrikaans
  • Driving License: Code B

Software

Leapfrog

Microstation

Geobank/Geobank Mobile

Minitab Statistics Software

Micromine

Certification

License to Supervise

References

  • Vanessa Ndebele (South 32 Planning Manager): 073 530 7171

Timeline

Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Project Management

12-2023

Acting Plant Process Planner

South 32 - Mamatwan Opencast Mine
07.2022 - 12.2022

License to Supervise

01-2021

Legal Liability

01-2021

Acting Grade Control Supervisor

South 32 - Wessels Underground Mine
01.2021 - 04.2021

Acting Geology Specialist - Core yard Supervisor

South 32 - Mamatwan Opencast Mine
08.2020 - 03.2021

Open Pit and Exploration Sampling

01-2019

BSc. Honors in Environmental Sciences with Environmental Geology - Geology

NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY
01.2018 - 12.2018

BSc. Environmental and Biological Sciences (Geology and Geography) - Geology

NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY
01.2015 - 12.2017

Matric Certificate -

KATHU HIGHSCHOOL
01.2014 - 12.2014

Senior Grade Geologist

South 32 - Mamatwan Open Cast Mine
8 2021 - Current

Graduate in Training Geology

South 32 - HMM Operations
1 2019 - 1 2021
Leonita KühnGeologist