RODNEY RACHIDI
Mining Engineer | Data Scientist
Johannesburg
Summary
Results-driven Mining Engineer with extensive hands-on experience in hard rock open-pit and underground operations, specializing in planning and optimization. Passionate about integrating data science and AI into mining systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the industry. Proficient in Python programming, data analysis, and technical reporting, complemented by exceptional communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning. Recognized for strong organizational abilities and dependability, adept at managing multiple priorities while maintaining a positive attitude and embracing additional responsibilities to achieve team objectives.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Mining Engineering Graduate
Anglo American Platinum
Thabazimbi
02.2024 - Current
- Contribute to optimization of mine planning and scheduling in short- and medium-term operations.
- Support management of ventilation, water, power, and material systems to improve operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with production and technical teams to drive data-informed decision-making.
- Assisted in implementing stock level data monitoring systems that improved resource allocation efficiency
- Acquired exposure to multiple mining departments, gaining insight into their individual operations and how they integrate to achieve efficient, safe, and sustainable mining performance.
Academic Tutor
University of Witwatersrand
Johanessburg
04.2023 - 06.2023
- Tutored Mine Transportation (Robotics & Automation) module, focused on coding robotic vehicles in a simulated mine environment.
- Developed Python algorithms to optimize load and haul operations
- Assessing, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and finding optimal solutions for problems that come with automation in mining.
Mining Engineering Vacation Student
Anglo American Platinum
Mokopane
12.2022 - 02.2023
- Worked with the drill and blast technical team designing and reviewing blast patterns using blast logic.
- Performed data analysis and blast reviews to improve the next blasts and optimize subsequent operations.
- I contributed to drill and blast optimization initiatives and later wrote my honor’s project on Improving fragmentation.
Mining Engineering Vacation Student
Anglo American Platinum
12.2021 - 02.2022
- Rotated through bench preparation, drill & blast, and load & haul departments for open-pit operations.
- Supported safety and production reporting systems, enhancing coordination between departments.
- Gained foundational understanding of integrated mine planning and safety management systems.
Education
MEng - Industrial Engineering, Data Science
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch02.2026
BSc (Eng) Honors - Mining Engineering
University of Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 12.2023
Skills
Financial Valuation
Mine Planning & Design
Drill and Blast design
Technical Report Writing
Optimization Modeling
Python programming
Power BI
Machine Learning (Scikit-learn)
Data Analysis
Adaptability and Collaboration
Analytical Thinking and Problem solving
Excellent communication
Supervision and leadership
Microsoft Office
Certification
Mining Shift Supervisor Certificate of Competence
Accomplishments
- Used Power BI to develop live inventory Dashboard.
- Developed a multi‑asset quantitative forecasting system that fetches financial market data, applies advanced feature engineering, trains specialized deep learning models per asset, and logs prediction performance with telemetry‑grade diagnostics for continuous evaluation and improvement.
Timeline
Mining Engineering Graduate
Anglo American Platinum
02.2024 - Current
Academic Tutor
University of Witwatersrand
04.2023 - 06.2023
Mining Engineering Vacation Student
Anglo American Platinum
12.2022 - 02.2023
Mining Engineering Vacation Student
Anglo American Platinum
12.2021 - 02.2022
MEng - Industrial Engineering, Data Science
Stellenbosch University
BSc (Eng) Honors - Mining Engineering
University of Witwatersrand