SAIMM BRANCH NEWS

 

Profiles of the Branch Chairmen

 

Democratic Republic of Congo Branch

 

 

Susa Maleba

 

 

Susa is a Mining Engineer, married with three children.

Education

BSc (Hons), Mining Engineering, with specialization in Mining Environment, Pretoria University, 2004 BSc Eng, Mining, University of Lubumbashi, 1999 Postgraduate Certificate, Advanced Taxation, University of South Africa, 2005

Intermediate Certificate, Mine Environmental Control/ Occupational Hygene, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, University of South Africa, 2004

Registrations/Affiliations

MSAIMM 704782, MVSSA 60872

Specialization

Mining design, mine planning and scheduling, mining ventilation, and mining environmental control.

Expertise

Susa Maleba has been involved in the field of mining engineering for the past 10 years. His expertise includes:

•  Underground mine design, layout, and scheduling (Mine 2-4D and EPS)
•  Mine ventilation and refrigeration
•  Open pit optimization (NPV-Scheduler)
•  Feasibility studies on open pit and underground operations
•  Open pit design (Mine 2-4D)
•  Open pit production scheduling (NPV-Scheduler and EPS)
•  Mine environmental control and occupational hygiene
•  Projects management
•  ESIA projects management and coordination.

Employment

Oct 2009-present:        SRK Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Mining Engineer, DRC

Aug 2007-Aug 2009:     A & B Global, Mining Consultants, Mining Consultant, South Africa

Jul 2003-Jul 2007:        CSIR MININGTEK, Research Engineer, South Africa

Sep 2002-Jun 2003:     SARS, Tax Consultant, South Africa

Sep 1997-Jul 2000:     Gecamines - Sodimico, Engineer in training and Junior Engineer, DRC.

Languages

• English-read, write, speak • French-read, write, speak • Swahili-read, write, speak.

Publications

1. Maleba, S. Life of the mine plan for Xstrata. Kroondal Chrome, 2008.

2. Maleba, S. and Jager, T. 2005. Best practice guidelines for the mining and rehabilitation of granite mines in the Brits-Rustenburg areas of SA.

3. Els, R. and Maleba, S. Investigation into nanotechnology for mining applications, CSIR Mining Technology STEP Project. 2005.

4. Maleba, S. Critical review of mining taxation in the African mining countries. UNISA, September 2004.

5. McGill, J.E., Maleba, S., Moseme, R., and Peake, A.V. Mining Plan for Ndwedwe Ceramics (Pty) Ltd. 2004.

6. Maleba, S. and Moseme, R. Mining plan for Phuthadijthaba Sandstone, 2004.

7. Matesa, J. and Maleba, S. Heat gains measurement of four insulation systems supplied by Robor. 2004.

8. Matesa, J. and Maleba, S. Measurement of the heat transfer and air pressure drop characteristics of a 350 kW Manos engineering cooling coils. 2003.

9. Maleba, S. Applicability of a mechanised rooms and pillar mining method in the exploitation of the east reef Kisenda Mines (Technical and economical analysis). University of Lubumbashi 1999. ♦

 

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Pretoria Branch

 

Natasia Naude

 

 

Natasia obtained her Metallurgical Engineering qualification from the University of Pretoria. She continued her studies at the University of Stellenbosch where she obtained MSc Engineering and PhD Metallurgy degrees. She started her career at Foskor as an engineer in training and later moved to the Tshwane University of Technology, where she was a Lecturer and Section Head of Metallurgical Engineering for fifteen years. In 2009 she was appointed at the University of Pretoria and is currently the Section Head of the Minerals Processing section in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering. Her main research interests are in stratification principles, physical beneficiation processes and CFD, DEM, and multi-phase modelling. Natasia is registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA and is a member of SAIMM and MMMA. ♦

 

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Johannesburg Branch

 

Ian Ashmole

 

 

Ian started in the mining industry as a learner official with Rand Mines in 1985, and graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a bachelor's degree in mining engineering in 1989. He worked at Durban Roodepoort Deep, Douglas Colliery, and Harmony Gold Mine before leaving Rand Mines in 1993 to take up the position of mine manager of a small gold mine on the East Rand.

Ian became involved in the dimension stone mining industry in 1994, when he joined Kudu Granite as Group Mining Engineer, with a mandate of transforming the company's traditional quarry operations into modern professionally-run mines through the application of geological knowledge, formal mine planning, new technology and methods, and professional management techniques. By 1996, the company's operations were recognized in the industry as being on a par with the best run operations in Europe, and the standards developed at Kudu were a major factor in the acquisition of Kudu by the Marlin Group in 1997. The health and safety and environmental performance of the Rustenburg Division of Marlin, where Ian was the General Manager from 2001 to 2005, was recognized by both the DME and environmental pressure groups as being among the best in the South African mining industry. In 2005, Ian became Technical Director of the Marlin Group, with responsibility for the operation of all quarries in southern Africa and exploration in Africa as well as consulting work for the group's operations in Brazil.

In 2008, Ian left the Marlin Group to establish an independent consultancy. While his initial focus was mainly, but not exclusively, in the dimension stone sector, he has subsequently consulted in the gold, uranium, platinum, chrome, and industrial minerals sectors. Ian is a generalist, and while his technical expertise is valued in feasibility and due diligence work, he also provides project and operational management assistance, and is widely experienced in the fields of health and safety, environmental management, and mineral rights.

Ian has travelled extensively in Africa, South America, Europe, and the USA during the course of his career. Ian is a keen runner, having completed five Comrades Marathons, trail runner and trail run course designer, and mountain biker. ♦

 

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Namibian Branch

 

Grantham Bramley Ockhuizen

 

 

Grantham was born on 22 October 1985 in Rehoboth, Namibia. He is married with 1 son.

Position

Superintendent: Geotechnical, Rio Tinto Rössing Uranium Limited

Qualifications

Bsc (Hons) Geology, Applied Earth Science at University of Stellenbosch

Geotechnical Engineering for Mine Pits and mine waste storage facilities: short course MSAIMM

Brief history

6 years' experience in U, Zn, REE. In various roles in the geosciences in Namibia. After graduating from the University of Stellenbosch, I worked at Anglo Base Metals at the Skorpion Zinc operation as a graduate focusing on a resource drilling programme, doing in-pit mapping and geology, and geotechnical logging. In 2008, I moved on into exploration working for Etruscan Resources prospecting for gold, copper, and rare earth elements, where I was responsible for the regional and detailed map compilations. During my time with Etruscan, I did a 4-month stint with Rössing supervising a core logging programme. In 2010 I joined Rio Tinto at Rössing as a geotechnical geologist. In September 2012 I was promoted to Superintendent: Geotechnical.

Interaction/activities that I partake in within the SAIMM

Council and SAIMM events

Key skills

Mineral exploration, mapping, modelling, geotechnical engineering, geology, slope stability

What do you foresee yourself contributing to within the SAIMM

Growing Namibia branch membership. Hosting more events, in order to get more active participation of geosciences, metallurgy, and engineering professionals within Namibia in SAIMM (particularly contributing papers to the Journal).

Other information the members should know

An initiator, problem solver, and lateral thinker. I am a self-motivated individual with a results-driven approach. ♦

 

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Zambian Branch

 

Henry Zimba

 

 

Education Background

1972: Completed primary school education

1977: Completed secondary school education

1977- Attended compulsory Zambia

1978: National service military training (December 1977-June 1978)

1978: Enrolled at the Zambia Institute of Technology ( ZIT), now the Copperbelt University ( CBU), for advanced Technicians certificate course (July 1978)

1981: Completed Technician course at ZIT and joined the Zambian mining industry at the Research and Development Department (R&D) of NCCM and RCM (September 1981)

1982- Sponsored by the Zambian Mining Industry to

1983: do a Diploma course in Mine Metallurgy at ZIT (June 1982-June 1983)

1985- Sponsored by the Zambia Mining Industry

1990: (ZCCM) do a Bachelor in Mineral Sciences (BMin Sc) degree course at the University of Zambia (UNZA) which I completed successfully with a merit (October 1985-December 1990).

Employment history

1981: Joined the Zambian Mining Industry at the then Research and Development Department ( R & D) of the then NCCM and RCM as a metallurgical Technician (Grade G3). My job involved operational problem solving for mining and other related industries through research and development (September 1981)

1983: Promoted to Metallurgical Technologist (Grade G2). After completing a one-year Diploma course at ZIT (June 1983)

1990: Promoted to a Graduate Metallurgist (Grade G1)After graduating from the University of Zambia

1994: Promoted to Senior Investigations Metallurgist (Grade G11)

1995: Attachment to Anglo America Research Laboratories and Mintek in South Africa (October-December 1995)

1996: Acted as Superintendent, Metallurgical Projects at Nchanga from Technical Services in Kalulushi (March 1996)

1997: Promoted to assistant Concentrator Superintendent at Nchanga Concentrator

1998: Transferred from Nchanga Concentrator to Nkana Concentrator. (November 1998)

2000: Joined Mopani Copper Mines upon privatization of ZCCM at Nkana (April 2000)

2001: Acted as Concentrator Superintendent at Nkana (April 2001 )

2001: Moved from Nkana to Mufulira Concentrator on request by Manager Metallurgical, Mufulira (July 2001 )

2001: Acted as Mufulira Concentrator Superintendent (September 2001 )

2003:- Worked at Chambeshi

2006: Concentrator of Non-Ferrous Corporation Africa Mining (NFCA) as an Assistant Concentrator Superintendent (June 2003-July 2006)

2006: Recruited from NFCA by KCM, Nchanga Concentrator

2006: Promoted to Plant Manager Technical at Nchanga Concentrator of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Chingola (December 2006). ♦

 

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Zululand Branch

 

Christo Mienie

 

 

Christo was born on 18 November 1963 in Vereeniging and matriculated in 1981. He is married to Marietjie, and has two boys - Francois and Christo (Jnr). He obtained his Dip Tech (T5) in Metallurgical Engineering from the Vaal Triangle Technikon. He worked at Iscor Vanderbijlpark at the Blast Furnaces Production for a year. He then moved to Iscor Research and Development in Pretoria where he worked in the Process Metallurgy Department for 4 years. His area of focus was iron manufacturing with particular interest in the evaluation and characterization of iron, coal, and coke for the blast furnace, direct reduction, and the newly developed Corex process. During 1992, Christo accepted a work offering from Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a heavy minerals sands operations jointly owned by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton at the time. He started in the Development Metallurgy Section and responsibilities included flow sheet development, process optimization, and evaluating new technologies.

He gained valuable metallurgical and production experience over the next 14 years at various RBM plants including the Roaster, Char Plant, Iron Processing, Slag Processing, and the Smelter. His metallurgical responsibilities included the increase of prime grade slag and pig iron, furnace rebuilds, working in conjunction with the Marketing Department to establish new markets and customers, and the introduction of best practises in the process metallurgical field.

His HR responsibilities included the management, training, and development of metallurgists. He completed his MDP through the University of Durban Westville during 1997. Christo obtained valuable experience with regards to business restructuring ('right-sizing') while being the team leader responsible for the SHEQ and Technical Departments

He joined Spectrum Technical (Pty) Ltd in 2006 as a Director and Shareholder - current position. Consulting to clients included plant feasibility studies, flow sheet design, process equipment selection and supply, plant commissioning, troubleshooting and cost analyses in mainly the heavy minerals sands, iron ore, ferro-metals, and coal industries. ♦

 

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Western Cape Branch

 

Tunde Victor Ojumu

 

 

Current position

Associate Professor and Head of Programmes: Chemical Engineering

Qualifications

2008: PhD (Chemical Engineering) University of Cape Town, South Africa

2008: CPD, Project Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa

1999: MSc (Chemical Engineering), Distinction. Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria

1994: BSc Honours 1st Class Division. (Chemistry) Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Work experience

2011: Associate Professor and Head of Programme, Department of Chemical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa (from July 2011 to present)

2010: Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme, Department of Chemical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa (from January 2010 to June 2011)

2009: Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa (from January 2009 to December 2010)

2008: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Minerals to Metals Initiatives, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa (from February 2008 to December 2008)

2008: Research Consultant - ENS Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, South Africa (from August 2008 to December 2008)

2001: Research & Development Officer, Chemical and Biomaterials Department, Engineering Materials Development Institute (Parastatal of Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Nigeria). (December 2008 to 2001 )

Grants

2013: CPUT University Research Fund, Bioremediation project: R75 000 (January)

2010: CPUT University Research Fund, The kinetics of microbial ferrous-iron oxidation in bioleach heap environment, R75 000 (January 2010 to 2011)

2011: NRF and CPUT Incentive funding: R240 000 (2011 to 2016)

2011: NRF Y2 rating grant. R300 000 (2011 to 2012)

2010: CPUT University Research Fund, The kinetics of microbial ferrous-iron oxidation in bioleach heap environment, R75 000 (March 2010)

2010: NRF Knowledge Interchange Collaboration (KIC), Travel to Ile-Ife Nigeria to present a plenary paper at OAUTEK 2010, R15,000:00 (August 2010)

2009: CONFCOM Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Travel grant to Bariloche, Austria for oral presentation at IBS 2009, R15,000:00 (August 2009)

2009: ESKOM, Utilisation of fly ash to neutralize and remediate acid mine drainage at a pilot scale demonstration unit. R500,000.00 (Joint project with UWC)

2009: CONFCOM Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Travel grant to Bariloche, Austria for oral presentation at IBS 2009, R35,000:00

2008: NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative, Travel Grant to Phoenix, Arizona to attend Hydrometallurgy 2008, R48,000:00 (August 2008)

2006: WARA Boston University, Travel Grant to Austria for research on 'The Effects of Total Iron Concentration on the Microbial Ferrous-Iron Oxidiation Kinetic of Leptospirillium ferriphilum', $3000 (R21,000:00) (August 2008)

Awards and honours

2006: Assessment of Research Proposal for RGC, Hong Kong (Ref: PolyU 5408/06M)

2006: University of Cape Town, Research Associate, in recognition of research excellence at Doctoral level

2005: University of Cape Town, Research Associate, in recognition of research excellence at Doctoral level

Honory positions

2010: Visiting Researcher, The Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M

2008: Visiting Researcher, Engineering Materials Development Institute, Nigeria.

Subjects taught

I have lectured a number of Chemical Engineering subjects and I believe that teaching is not effective if learning did not take place. Hence I have always put every effort to ensure my students learn and perform at their best. My approach to teaching involves the use of various kinds of teaching methods and aids: use of animations for multimedia presentation. Web presence using Blackboard e-learning system is also critical to learning. I have explored various teaching methods to facilitate critical and productive thinking among students. I have taught the following subjects:

•  Engineering Physics EPH201S
•  Engineering Analysis I & II CHE 305 & CHE 306
•  Introduction to Biochemical & Bioprocess Engineering CHE308
•  Chemical Engineering Technology: Mass and Energy Balances CET201S
•  Chemical Engineering Technology: Fluid Flow 4 CET400S
•  Reactor Technology 4: RTI400S
•  Process Control 4: PRC400S

Research history and interest

On-going and future projects

1. Biohydro- and Hydrometallurgy

Microbial ferrous iron oxidation kinetics. We started this project with the view to understand the oxidation kinetics in order to improve bioleaching processes. I have investigated extensively the effects of various extreme conditions (e.g. pH, temperature, dissolved cations, and ferrous and/or ferric-iron concentrations) on the bio-oxidation kinetics of ferrous iron - a critical subprocess in bioleaching, and microbial growth in a stirred tank reactors. In reality a tank reactor cannot describe the flow dynamics in a heap situation; therefore, my current interest:

•  To understand the contribution(s) of the flow dynamics and other complexities in heap bioleach system on the microbial ferrous iron oxidation
•  To investigate the microbial attachment in packed columns to gain an understanding of how microbial colonization can be facilitated; effects such as particle sizes and shapes, column height, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration
•  The effects of wide range of operating conditions found in heap bioleach system would be reinvestigated.

The outcome of this project would provide an understanding of the ferrous iron bio-oxidation kinetics in a heap situation.

Mineral leaching kinetics: Even if an oxidizing environment is produced (i.e. either biotic or abiotic), understanding of mineral leaching kinetics is also critical for design of efficient biohydrometallurgical (bioleaching) process. There are enough literatures on mineral leaching kinetics, however, most orebodies are complex and mostly do not contain just a single mineral phase. Thus existing mineral kinetic models cannot adequately describe the reality. Future work is planned to investigate the linkage between mineralogy, and particle size distribution and mineral leaching reaction kinetics for zeolite production using fly ash.

2. Fly Ash Project

The project involving co-disposal of acid mine water and circumneutral mine water with fly ash proved successful. However, current study is focusing on scale-up study and optimization - an on-going project with the industrial sponsor (ESKOM). Fly ash is a good feedstock for zeolite synthesis, preliminary work has been successful, current and future work look as synthesizing various types of zeolities for industrial application. Our emphasis at this stage is on the development of scale-up conditions

Selected publications

1. D. Mainganye, T.V. Ojumu, and L.F. Petrik. 2013. Synthesis of Zeolites Na-P1 from South African Coal Fly Ash: Effect of Impeller Design and Agitation. Materials, 6, 2074-2089. ISSN 1996-1944

2. P.W. du Plessis, T.V. Ojumu, and L.F. Petrik. 2013. Waste Minimization Protocols for the Process of Synthesizing Zeolites from South African Coal Fly Ash. Materials, 6, 1688-1703. ISSN 1996-1944

3. B.O. Oboirien, T.V. Ojumu, and S.O. Obayopo. 2013. Fungi solubilisation of low rank coal: Performances of stirred tank, fluidised bed and packed bed reactors. Fuel Processing Technology, 106: 295-302. ISSN: 0378-3820

4. T.V. Ojumu and J. Petersen. 2011. The kinetics of ferrous ion oxidation by Leptospirillum ferriphilum in continuous culture: The effect of pH, Hydrometallurgy, 106, (1-2): 5-11. ISSN: 0304-386X

5. Godfrey Madzivire, Wilson M. Gitari, V.R. Kumar Vadapalli, Tunde V. Ojumu, Leslie F. Petrik. 2011 Fate of sulphate removed during the treatment of circumneutral mine water and acid mine drainage with coal fly ash: Modelling and experimental approach. Minerals Engineering, 24 (13) 1467-1477. ISSN: 0892-6875

6. HN Ongendangenda and TV Ojumu. 2011. The effect of initial pH on the kinetics of ferrous-iron biooxidation at low temperature. African Journal of Biotechnology vol. 10 (9), pp. 1679-1683 ISSN 1684-5315

7. G. Madzivire, L.F. Petrik, W.M. Gitari, T.V. Ojumu, and G. Balfour. 2010. Application of coal fly ash to circumneutral mine waters for the removal of sulphates as gypsum and ettringite, Minerals Engineering 23 (3): 252-257. ISSN: 0892-6875

8. TV Ojumu, J Petersen and GS Hansford. 2009. Kinetics of microbial ferrous-iron oxidation by leptospirillum ferriphilum: the effect of temperature. Biochemical Engineering Journal 46: 161 - 168. ISSN: 1369-703X

Workshops/trainings/seminars attended

1. Safety and Risk Management in the Mineral Processing Industry, 4 August 2010, Mineral Processing Conference (Western Cape), 4-6 August 2010, Cape Town, South Africa

2. Water and Water Quality in the Minerals Industry, 6 August 2008, Mineral Processing Conference (Western Cape), 6-8 August 2010, Cape Town, South Africa

3. Chemometric workshop at the 6th European Symposium on Biochemical Engineering Science, 27 -30 August, 2006, Salzburg, Austria.

4. 'Research Oriented Courses in Computational Mathematics and Applications III (Control Theory)' National Mathematical Center, Abuja, Nigeria. August 13 to August 30,2001

Completed Students' projects

Project title

•  Microbial of ferrous-iron oxidation: the effect of pH at low temperature
•  The effect of pH on the bioleaching of chalcopyrite at low temperatures using a mixed culture of mesophilic bacteria
•  Effect of impeller design and agitation on zeolite synthesis from South African fly ash
•  To investigate bioleaching of chalcopyrite under ambient conditions
•  Effect of temperature on kinetics of microbial ferrous ion oxidation using Leptospirillum ferriphilum on a Shake flask reactor
•  The effect of ionic strength on the kinetics of ferrous-iron biooxidation at low temperature
•  Bioleaching of low grade ore at ambient conditions
•  Microbial oxidation of ferrous-iron into its ferric form under ambient conditions.
•  Effect of particle size on the ferric leaching of sulphide minerals
•  Effect of initial pH on the bio-oxidation of ferrous iron at ambient temperature (Published in AJB)
•  Effect of dissolved gangue minerals on the bioleaching of sulfide minerals
•  Kinetics of microbial ferrous-iron oxidation by Leptospirillum ferriphilum:
•  Effect of ferric-iron on biomass growth (jointly supervised with J. Petersen, UCT)

Professional and Academic leadershiop

Membership of professional bodies

2010: South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, W/Cape Branch (SAIMM), Executive member

2007: South Africa Institute of Chemical Engineers (SAIChE), Member (Membership No. 5295)

2005: Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), Member

2001 Materials Society of Nigeria (MSN), Professional Member (Membership No. P/0251)

Professional activities

Examiner:

(a) University of Cape Town (2009 to date)

(b) University of the Western Cape (2009 to date)

(c) Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (2000 to date)

Serving as a reviewer of the following Journal from the the indicated dates

2010: Bioresource Technology, Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development

2009: Biochemical Engineering Journal, International Journal of Physical Sciences

2008: Hydrometallurgy Journal, African Journal of Microbiology Research, International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology,

2007: American Chemical Society

2006: Biotechnology Progress

2005: African Journal of Biotechnology

 

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Zimbabwean Branch

 

Shepherd Alexander GaiHai

 

 

Qualifications

1979: BSc General - University of Rhodesia (majored in Geology and Chemistry)

1980: BSc Special Honours (Geology) - University of Zimbabwe

1985: MSc Industrial and Administrative Sciences - The City University (UK)

1986: NEC registered and full blasting licence holder

1988: Mine Managers Diploma - Ministry of Mines, Zimbabwe

1990: Certificate in Advanced Mining Training-Lulea University, Sweden

1998 & Technical Computer Courses - Lynx &

2006-7 Vulcan

2003: Executive Masters in Business Administration - NUST, Zimbabwe

2006-8: Several SHE courses SHATCOR, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Legal Auditing, Systems Auditing and Lead Auditor's courses

2011: Certificates of Competency Syllabus Formulations

2012: Dynamic Due Diligence Investigations.

Brief career history

•  Soon after graduation in 1980, I started my career a Mine Geologist, Exploration Geologist, and then Resident Mine Geologist.
•  Migrated into mining in 1985, starting with learner miner trainership then learner mining official. Then progressed to Senior Management levels, Underground Manager and Mine Manager, before shifting to provision of a wide range of mine technical services at Senior Management level, including advisory, consultancy, and tutorship.
•  Worked for various multinational corporations throughout the mining industry, covering a wide range of mineral products (Au, Cr, Ni, Pt, Fe, Sn-Ta, Cu, diamonds, emeralds, asbestos, limestone, graphite and slates) and have overcome very varied and challenging work situations. Worked in every province of Zimbabwe.
•  Provided a wide range of technical services to the industry (Mining and Exploration Geology, Gemmology, Rock Mechanics, Mining Engineering, Mine Planning, Survey, Laboratory, Ventilation and SHEQ), Project Management, Business Management, Marketing of Mining Opportunities and the Development of new and ailing Businesses. I am very versatile and with a rich mining track record, spanning 33 years in the Industry. Worked in three countries and made technical visits to nine others.
•  I am currently heading (2011 to present) the Business Development department of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, with responsibility of identifying, harnessing, and development of new mining opportunities and investments for the Corporation's sustenance and business growth, including the resuscitation of ailing and closed mines, in addition to greenfield investment projects.

Interaction/activities that you take part in within the SAIMM

I am in my second year as the Branch Chairman of SAIMM Zimbabwe and have to date spearheaded the following activities for the Institute:

a) Doubled the SAIMM Zimbabwe membership to 240 in last year

b) Conducted regular Committee Meeting on a monthly basis

c) Holding combined mine visits with other professional associations introduced for networking purposes, done one with Mine Association

d) Organized three technical visits during the last year to SIRDC, Marange Diamond Mine, How Gold Mine. A visit to Unki Platinum Mine visit is coming in November 2013. Combined with technical paper presentations and some networking social events

e) Held a Technical Conference at the School of Mines during Mine Entra days. Presented six papers on Resources Nationalism: Implications and Way Forward for Zimbabwe.

What do you foresee yourself contributing to within the SAIMM

The following activities are planned for next year:

a) Legal registration of the Zimbabwean SAIMM branch as a legal and registered non-profit professional association

b) Introduce activities to engage students in SAIMM technical and social activities

c) Networking arrangements - conduct regional meetings starting with the Midlands

d) Visit Botswana and assist in the rejuvenation of the SAIMM branch. To incorporate a mines visit (Selibe-Phikwe and/or Orapo-Jwaneng)

e) Continue with membership drive and also to create a register of active membership for Zimbabwe, people highly motivated to self-drive the Institute's functions

f) During the next year, we aim to organize at least three mine/technical visits: (1) Visit two mines (Botswana and Zimbabwe), (2) visit an Exploration project and (3) one research or manufacturing project

g) Conduct one major conference, and make some money out of it.

Other informatlion members should know

•  I am a member of the following professional associations:

- The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), Fellow

- Geological Society of Zimbabwe, Corporate Member

- Mine Managers of Zimbabwe, Member

- Ventilation Society of RSA, Fellow

- Mining Tech Society of Sweden, Corporate Member.

•  Social activities - a strong Christian, a keen golfer, and a member of the local gym club. ♦