Pearl Mathenda Phiri
Rustenburg
Summary
Dedicated Mining Production Geologist with 12+ years of experience in mineral exploration, resource estimation, and production geology, specializing in chrome and platinum operations. Proven leader in optimizing resource extraction while upholding safety, environmental compliance, and effective technical and personnel management.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Mine Geologist
Sedibelo Resources
11.2022 - 02.2024
- Trained and mentored junior geologists, enhancing team productivity and skill levels.
- Supported geological modeling and resource estimation in collaboration with the Resource Geologist, contributing to a 25% increase in resource reserves through 3D block modeling and grade control using Datamine.
- Managed geological data acquisition and QA/QC processes (Logchief, LIMS), ensuring timely and accurate assay results through close coordination with the laboratory.
- Reported monthly grade and tonnage valuations and updated borehole data, directly supporting resource model revisions and improving estimation accuracy by 20%.
Underground Geologist
Northam Platinum Ltd
07.2019 - 10.2022
- Mentored junior geologists, boosting team efficiency and knowledge-sharing, contributing to improved project workflows.
- Developed and implemented production geology strategies that enhanced ore recovery by 15%, optimizing resource extraction.
- Led underground mapping, diamond drilling, and geological reporting, reducing geological losses and ensuring accurate mine reconciliations for better resource management.
Contract Geologist
Northam Platinum Ltd
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Led brownfields exploration for stratabound reef-type chrome and PGE deposits, integrating historical maps with radiometric and magnetic data, driving a 30% increase in resource estimates.
- Managed QA/QC protocols for diamond drilling, sampling, and assaying, implementing innovative techniques that enhanced data accuracy and reduced costs by 20%.
- Coordinated daily drilling operations, supporting environmental compliance, and contributed to a 20% improvement in the accuracy of reserves reporting through collaboration on the resource model.
- Worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to maintain adherence to safety protocols and environmental compliance requirements.
Open Pit Geologist
Platmin Limited Platinum Mine
10.2011 - 05.2017
- Supervised pit grade control, RC drilling, and sampling operations, improving ore recovery and minimizing dilution, with consistent adherence to safety standards under MHSA 29 of 1996.
- Streamlined assay workflows and data management by maintaining QA/QC and SABLE borehole databases, enhancing assay accuracy and precision monitoring across multiple projects.
- Integrated geological data using AutoCAD and Surpac to support resource modeling, enabling accurate preliminary grade and tonnage estimates for mine planning.
Junior Geologist
Assore Ltd
05.2008 - 09.2011
- Managed two decline shafts and three open-pit sites for a chromite-based operation, leading exploration drilling projects and supporting brownfields exploration, identifying new ore bodies, and extending mine life.
- Improved ore grade recovery by 20% and reduced dilution through precise geological mapping, sampling, and grade control in both underground and open-pit operations.
- Enhanced data integrity and compliance by implementing a new borehole database system (Sable Data) and reduced underground development costs by 25% through optimized mine planning and geological insights.
Student Geologist
University Of Johannesburg, Geology Department
04.2005 - 12.2006
- Assisted the geology department by preparing rock samples for XRF/XRD analysis, organizing geological journal archives, and supporting lecture presentation preparation.
Student Geologist
Council for Geoscience
12.2005 - 01.2006
- Assisted in laboratory analysis of rock samples, managed geochemical data entry, and supported the development of geophysical models and seismic data interpretation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geology
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa03-2009
Skills
- Sampling Methods
- Team Leadership
Geological Mapping
Data Analysis
Mineral Exploration
Field Surveys
- Environmental Compliance
- Budget Management
- Resource Evaluation
- Mining Software (Datamine Studio RM)
- Database Software(SABLE Data)
Affiliations
- South African Council For Natural Scientific Professions
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Mine Geologist
Sedibelo Resources
11.2022 - 02.2024
Underground Geologist
Northam Platinum Ltd
07.2019 - 10.2022
Contract Geologist
Northam Platinum Ltd
03.2019 - 06.2019
Open Pit Geologist
Platmin Limited Platinum Mine
10.2011 - 05.2017
Junior Geologist
Assore Ltd
05.2008 - 09.2011
Student Geologist
Council for Geoscience
12.2005 - 01.2006
Student Geologist
University Of Johannesburg, Geology Department
04.2005 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Geology
University of Johannesburg
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