Rejoice Avhashoni Mashau
Ormonde,South Africa
Summary
I’m a Mineralogist and geoscientist with 10+ years across PGMs, Iron ore, nickel, copper and diamonds. My core strength is ore characterisation: I have spent years on MLA for automated mineralogy, EPMA- for high resolution quantitative chemistry, LA-ICPMS for trace element mapping and I have used XRD to perform XRD bulk with Rietveld quantification on plant feed and tailings to quantify gangue minerals like talc /pyrite. Identified 15 % excess of talc causing slime coating which guided depressant strategy and recovered 8% PGM loss. I have used the tools for geomet modelling, deportment studies and troubleshooting recoveries issues. Now I am looking to move into a research-focused mineralogist role where I can apply that analytical depth to solve new ore body challenges.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Instrument Analyst
DEBEERS GROUP EXPLORATION, RSA
Johannesburg, South Africa
2017.08 - Current
- Organise workload to meet set project turn-around-times.
- Sample preparation and analysis for the Kimberlitic Indicator Minerals with appropriate technique (EPMA, LA-ICPMS, AMANDA and ZEISS Sigma 500) as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Instrument calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure optimum performance. Evaluate quality of data and troubleshoot problems with the supervisor and data analysts to ensure high quality outputs prior to submission to technical specialist(s).
- Carry out X-ray elemental mapping for particle search (Kimberlitic Indicator Minerals) in thin sections using the EPMA.
- Data processing.
- Ensure data is stored in approved repository (i.e. LIMS), validated and approved.
- Update standard check grain files in excel spreadsheet.
- Assist with investigation of data anomalies.
- Participated in ISO17205 accreditation for the laboratory.
- Maintain a safe working environment, participate in all SHEQ structure.
- SHE representative of the IML Analytical department who participates in SHE Reps monthly inspections that entail checking of the premises and housekeeping, mechanical, electrical and personal guarding and reporting of all incidences in the ISOMETRIX system. Plans yearly fire drill activities in the ISOMETRIX system.
Mineralogist
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Johannesburg, South Africa
2012.06 - 2015.06
- Projects coordinator in the beam room laboratory.
- Carrying out quality control and quality assurance of the data before it was handed to the client.
- Engaging with clients on regular basis through report writing and presentation.
- Providing training, coaching and mentoring for junior staff members.
- Carry out conference calls with clients from abroad.
- Organising service and repairs of the laboratory instruments with service engineers.
- Carry out research and development on the Kumba iron ore and Catalao niobium bearing minerals.
- Maintain a safe working environment
- Evacuation Warden coordinator for Mineralogy Department
- Incidents investigation.
Junior Mineralogist
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Johannesburg, South Africa
2009.06 - 2012.05
- Borehole logging and sampling of borehole deflections (MR and UG2 reef) for Geometallurgical Projects.
- Carry out metallurgical plant audits and Conduct laboratory bench flotation test work
- Projects coordinator in the beam room laboratory.
- Online data interpretation and validation.
- Writing clear and concise scientific reports.
- Test the MLA Beta version software before it was rolled out to all users
- Roll-out MLA software in the MLA Instruments
- Completed Safety Risk Management Process course
Graduate mineralogist, Mineralogy Department
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Johannesburg, South Africa
2008.06 - 2009.05
- Operating the MLA instruments.
- Checking of samples and making sure that the PGM identified were correct before loading a new set of samples.
- Organising service and repairs of the laboratory instrument with service engineers.
- Processing PGM data for reporting.
- Compiling clear, effective reports to satisfy management.
- Participated in metallurgical plant audits
Technologist
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Johannesburg, South Africa
2006.10 - 2008.05
- Grinding of the tailings sample to the desired grain size fractions.
- Splitting the sample into two aliquots
- Milling one aliquot sample until certain size fraction is reached.
- Screening of tailings sample into three different size fractions.
- Mounting of the polished section
- Operating the MLA instrument
Education
Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) - Geology
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, GPBachelor of Sciences - Geology
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, GPSenior Certificate/ Grade 12 - STEM Stream
Mbilwi Secondary School
Sibasa, LP 1999.01 - 1999.12
Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) - Environmental Management
University of South Africa
Pretoria, GPSkills
- Ability to write high-quality scientific and technical reports
- Microsoft office and scientific software
- Project and time Management
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Able to work independently
- Data collection and data management
- Presentation skills
- Communication skills, including written and verbal
Certification
- 2025: Workplace Safety Representative from Safety Academy
- 2012: Project Management Principles and Practices from University of Pretoria
- 2014: Evacuation Warden from Proto Aid Consultants
- 2010: Laboratory Emergency Response from Proto Aid Consultants
- Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat. 400367/12)
- FGSSA
Additional Information
Languages: English (speak, read and write), Tshivenda (speak, read and write), Tsonga (speak and read), South Sotho, Zulu and Tswana (read and speak)
Fluent
Additional information
Driver's licence: Code B (8)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Instrument Analyst
DEBEERS GROUP EXPLORATION, RSA
2017.08 - Current
Mineralogist
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
2012.06 - 2015.06
Junior Mineralogist
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
2009.06 - 2012.05
Graduate mineralogist, Mineralogy Department
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
2008.06 - 2009.05
Technologist
ANGLO AMERICAN, TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
2006.10 - 2008.05
Senior Certificate/ Grade 12 - STEM Stream
Mbilwi Secondary School
1999.01 - 1999.12
Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) - Geology
University of the Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Sciences - Geology
University of the Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) - Environmental Management
University of South Africa