OMPHULUSA MULANDULI
Pretoria
Summary
A dedicated and detail-oriented Geoscientist with a strong specialization in geophysics and a solid foundation in geological principles. Proficient in the acquisition, processing, interpretation, and reporting of complex geophysical datasets, with practical experience in ground-based geophysical surveys, geological mapping, and data integration. Demonstrates strong project coordination abilities and the capacity to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams, both independently and under supervision.
Highly skilled in scientific writing and verbal communication, with a proven ability to present findings clearly in technical reports and formal presentations. Committed to scientific excellence, continuous learning, and innovation. Actively engaged in the professional geoscience community as a registered SACNASP Professional Natural Scientist (Reg. No. 144451), a member of the South African Geophysical Association (SAGA), and currently serving on the SAGA Young Professionals Committee, demonstrating a strong commitment to professional development and the advancement of geosciences in Southern Africa.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Junior Geophysicist
Xcalibur Smart Mapping
03.2025 - Current
- Process and deliver high-fidelity geophysical survey datasets (ground / airborne / electromagnetic / magnetic etc.), ensuring all deliverables meet or exceed project quality standards and client expectations.
- Execute rigorous quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) protocols across the data workflow; identify and resolve data integrity issues; propose and implement process optimisations to reduce noise, errors, or delays.
- Interpret processed geophysical data to produce clear, actionable insights; generate preliminary reports or visualisations for senior geophysicists to support target generation, risk assessment, or further exploration planning.
- Maintain regular, transparent communication with project teams (including senior geophysicists, project managers) and with external stakeholders / clients, providing status updates, flagging issues early, and ensuring alignment on deliverables and timelines.
- Adhere strictly to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) best practices; promote safe fieldwork operations; ensure compliance with all safety protocols, equipment handling, and travel regulations.
- Conduct fieldwork support: set up survey equipment, calibrate sensors, troubleshoot technical or logistical issues; adapt to variable site conditions; travel as needed and work flexible hours to meet operational demands.
- Archive and document data, metadata, processing parameters, and field logs systematically, ensuring reproducibility of work and ease of handover with project documentation.
Project Manager
Wits Enterprise: WITS Seismic Research Center
09.2024 - 02.2025
- Directed the full project lifecycle for all seismic research initiatives at WITS Seismic Research Centre, from initiation to closure, ensuring deliverables met scope, time, budget, and quality benchmarks.
- Managed vendor selection, registration, and purchase order (PO) workflows; streamlined procurement processes to accelerate mobilization and reduce delays.
- Engaged clients immediately upon PO issuance to establish project mobilization plans, define site work requirements, coordinate expectations, and ensure alignment with technical and logistical constraints.
- Assembled and led high-performance interdisciplinary teams (field technicians, data analysts, researchers), assigning roles, defining responsibilities, and ensuring readiness of survey equipment & instruments.
- Controlled project scope, schedule, manpower deployment, and budgetary allocations; monitored progress using milestone tracking and adjusted resources proactively to avoid overruns.
- Coordinated all fieldwork logistics: accommodation, transportation, travel schedules, advances, and site resource allocation; maintained cost control and compliance with institutional / client financial policies.
- Oversaw on-site execution of seismic data acquisition: supervised field operations, ensured data integrity and safety; ensured timely return and safe handling of field data for processing and analysis.
- Supported business development by evaluating new research opportunities; co-developed technical proposals, authored tender submissions, and contributed scientific / logistical input to strengthen bids.
- Maintained detailed project documentation, including field logs, metadata, equipment calibration records, risk registers, and stakeholder communications, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and audit readiness.
Project Manager
WITS Seismic Research Center
06.2022 - 08.2024
- Led end-to-end execution of seismic survey projects, including planning, stakeholder coordination, resource allocation, and delivering within budget and schedule constraints.
- Championed health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance throughout survey lifecycles; conducted pre-survey risk assessments, enforced safety protocols, and ensured environmental mitigation measures were upheld in the field.
- Cultivated transparent, proactive communications with clients and internal stakeholders, providing regular progress reports, addressing technical and logistical concerns, and ensuring expectations were aligned.
- Ensured data quality excellence through rigorous QC/QA frameworks: supervised field crews, validated seismic data for completeness and accuracy; enforced regulatory compliance and best practices in data collection and instrument calibration.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive risk management strategies: identified potential project threats, implemented mitigation actions, and maintained detailed documentation (project logs, incident reports, regulatory compliance records).
- Prepared and delivered technical, operational and status reports; tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor survey operations; oversaw project close-out ensuring all deliverables met client specifications and organizational standards.
Junior Field Technician
Digital Surveying
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Operated the full suite of borehole geophysical tools (e.g. Natural Gamma, Spectral Gamma, Density (Gamma-Gamma), Neutron, Resistivity / Induction, Sonic / Full-Waveform Acoustic, Caliper, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Borehole Imaging (Acoustic / Optical Televiewer) probes) to collect down-hole measurements and well-logging data, ensuring proper calibration and deployment to achieve high accuracy in formation / subsurface characterization.
- Assisted in setting up, calibrating, and verifying surveying & logging equipment in field conditions, ensuring instruments functioned within specifications to reduce measurement error.
- Conducted detailed on-site data acquisition during field surveys: captured terrain, boundary, elevation, and borehole log data per standard operating procedures.
- Participated in pre-survey site assessments: analysed terrain, lithology and subsurface conditions to determine optimal sensor deployment and geophysical logging strategies.
- Supported data processing workflows: cleaned, organized, validated field-collected borehole logging data and generated deliverables for senior analysts; contributed to interpretation inputs.
- Performed rigorous quality control: identified discrepancies in geophysical logs, cross-checked field-metadata, and resolved issues prior to analysis.
- Maintained detailed documentation of every borehole survey: log sheets, equipment usage, depth calibration, field anomalies, and environmental / operational conditions.
- Adhered to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) protocols: safe handling of borehole tools, maintaining field team safety, and ensuring compliance with site safety procedures.
- Collaborated with senior surveyors, field crews and data analysts to execute projects efficiently; communicated insights from field observations and contributed to troubleshooting and decision-making.
- Assist in quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and consistency of survey data, identifying and addressing any discrepancies.
- Adhere to health and safety protocols during fieldwork, ensuring a safe working environment for oneself and the team.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of field activities, including equipment usage, data collection procedures, and any challenges encountered.
Guest Lecturer
WITS University, School of Geosciences
09.2023 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive lectures and practical sessions on geophysical principles, techniques, and applications, tailored for mining engineering students.
- Develop and update course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and assessments, ensuring alignment with current industry practices and academic standards.
Mentor
Bridge The Gap
02.2021 - 12.2021
- Delivered structured mentorship to geoscience students, guiding them through academic and career pathways, helping them assess strengths, set goals, and build confidence in choosing specialisations (e.g. fieldwork, research, industry roles).
- Assisted students in developing key professional skills: technical geoscience knowledge, scientific writing, presentation, networking, and applying for internships and job opportunities.
- Provided regular feedback, advice and coaching on students’ work and progress; identified gaps in knowledge or skills and suggested resources or strategies for improvement.
- Facilitated exposure to real-world geoscience scenarios (e.g. discussing field data, survey methods, research vs industry trade-offs) to help mentees make informed decisions about their careers.
- Supported mentees in building professional networks: connected them to geoscience professionals, academic contacts, employers, and industry events.
- Tracked mentee progress and maintained records of meetings, goals, achievements, challenges, and next steps, ensuring accountability and enabling measurable development.
Intern
DMI Minerals Pty Ltd
02.2019 - 12.2020
- Oversaw selective mining operations for alluvial diamonds within the Krone-Endora at Venetia project, ensuring effective grade control and optimal extraction of diamond-bearing gravels.
- Operated the dry-screening plant, sorting materials into specific sizes for Dense Media Separation (DMS) in diamond processing, enhancing recovery efficiency.
- Supervised loading and hauling activities within the pit, coordinating with field crews to maintain operational flow and meet production targets.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of in-field dry-screening processes, contributing to the reduction of fine material and improving the overall efficiency of the treatment plant.
- Maintained detailed records of mining activities, equipment usage, and material handling, supporting operational reporting and compliance with mining regulations.
- Collaborated with senior engineers and geologists to monitor and assess the quality of extracted materials, ensuring alignment with project specifications.
- Participated in safety audits and environmental impact assessments, promoting adherence to health, safety, and environmental protocols on-site.
- Contributed to the optimization of mining processes through data collection and analysis, identifying opportunities for operational improvements.
Education
Master of Science - Geophysics (Cumlaude)
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, Gauteng09.2024
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Geophysics
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, Gauteng12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Geology
University of Limpopo
Polokwane, Limpopo12.2018
Certificate of Higher Education - Physical Sciences
Thengwe High School
Tshilamba, Limpopo12.2015
Skills
- Computer literacy
- Microsoft word
- Leadership
- Mineral Exploration
- Analysis
- Seismic Analysis
- Matlab programming
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Data processing
- Survey methods determination
- Geophysical field monitoring
Certification
- Advanced off-road (4x4) and vehicle recovery course
- First Aid Level II
- S530 Skid Steer (Bobcat)
- Managing the Finances of a Business Operation - Wits University
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Tshivenda
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Sesotho
Advanced (C1)
Isizulu
Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
Junior Geophysicist
Xcalibur Smart Mapping
03.2025 - Current
Project Manager
Wits Enterprise: WITS Seismic Research Center
09.2024 - 02.2025
Guest Lecturer
WITS University, School of Geosciences
09.2023 - Current
Project Manager
WITS Seismic Research Center
06.2022 - 08.2024
Junior Field Technician
Digital Surveying
02.2022 - 06.2022
Mentor
Bridge The Gap
02.2021 - 12.2021
Intern
DMI Minerals Pty Ltd
02.2019 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Geology
University of Limpopo
Certificate of Higher Education - Physical Sciences
Thengwe High School
Master of Science - Geophysics (Cumlaude)
University of The Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Geophysics
University of The Witwatersrand