Principal Geologist, Mineral Resources at AngloGold Ashanti

Objective of the role 

• The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with the strategic and technical management of the Mineral Resource Estimation discipline across AngloGold Ashanti.

General Knowledge & Experience

Safety 

• A strong understanding of all aspects of a sites safety system and ability to manage the system components to ensure ongoing compliance.

​​​​​​​Data Analytics 

• Designing and maintaining data systems and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data-related problems.
• Mining data from primary and secondary sources, then reorganizing said data in a format that can be easily read by either human or machine.
• Using statistical tools to interpret data sets, paying particular attention to trends and patterns that could be valuable for diagnostic and predictive analytics efforts.
• Using combined knowledge of computer science and applications, modelling, statistics, analytics and maths to solve problems.

​​​​​​​Applied Geological Methods 

• Drilling: Has extensive drilling experience. Can engage with drill companies on drilling methods and their efficiencies.
• Sampling: Has extensive sampling experience and is able to design a sample flow route from experimental determinations.
• Logging and Mapping: Can identify geological units, structures, fabrics, alteration, mineralisation styles, and the transition between them.
• Can relate these to the geological model as well as processes on the mine or on future projects. 
• Coreyard: Identifies new processes to improve data collection and improve efficiencies.
• Assaying: Has a thorough understanding of the laboratory processes and is able to identify when an assay technique is not suitable.
• Has a good knowledge of alternate assay techniques.
• Can analyse QAQC results, identify substandard results and be able to engage with the laboratory manager on corrective measures. 
• Database Management: Can add/subtract users and codes to the database, design and write reports.
• Can understand relationships and architecture as well as oversee/ manage implementation of new systems. 

​​​​​​​Geological Theory 

• Knows the location within the lease of all significant geological features and how they relate to the current model.
• Has the ability to guide and interact with Project and site teams to further advance the understanding of an area.
• Has a general understanding of the regional geology and where opportunities lie. 
• Understanding the process of constructing 3D models and can provide a geological interpretation.

​​​​​​​Mine Geology Methods

• Plan: Has demonstrated the ability to apply knowledge and skills in repeatedly executing complex and challenging plans to their intended outcomes.
• Mining and Plant: Understands material flow process in the plant, what the critical features are at each point.
• Understands metal accounting, sampling and mass measurement system relevant to the reconciliation process. Has a thorough knowledge of mining processes relative to the operation. 
• Ore Loss and Dilution: Can design detailed reconciliation tests and reconciliation flow routes to the level required for the ore accounting chain.
• Can investigate reconciliation issues over a range of sources and disciplines. 
• Grade Control: Can interrogate grade control systems and determine parameters for use.
• Can contrast and specify grade control systems.
• Understands the impact of a variety of grade estimation techniques as well as the selectivity processes used within them. 
• Ore Accounting: Can interrogate and scope ore accounting systems across domains and integrate them across regions.
• Geotechnical and Geohydrological: Has an understanding of geotechnical and hydrogeoloical parameters, how they are generated, applied in long term planning and what impact they have on safety and production to deliver the annual plan.

​​​​​​​Exploration Methods

• Understands exploration techniques in detail (including field mapping/sampling, geophysical, geochemical and remote sensing) and is able to determine best fit practices for operations, and/or geological regions.
• Can audit exploration plans and methods and advise on corrective actions. 
• Can conceptualise and generate exploration targets for Brownfields Exploration at a district and site scale and provide critical review and feedback to site teams to improve strategies/plans and integrate with overall AGA strategy.
• Can prepare and review Brownfields Exploration budgets to test targets in line with regional/site and AGA strategy and provide critical review and feedback to site teams to improve/optimise budgets and forecasts.
• Can design and review effective drilling, geophysical, geochemical and field mapping programs.
• Has demonstrated ability to monitor and review ongoing exploration programs to ensure objectives are met and programs are proceeding on time/budget.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements, tenure, country and operational risk as it applies to Brownfields and Regional Exploration.

Estimation Methods

• A detailed understanding of all estimation techniques and the ability to determine which method should be used for each orebody.
• The ability to reconcile any orebody model to grade control practices and can supply specialist reconciliation support.

Operational Management

• Can integrate plans across operations and trade off options between these.
• Can set direction within a field/discipline within a broader regional/corporate strategy.
• Integrates geology into other discipline requirements.
• Determines guidelines and required practice.

Businesss Planning

• Is able to translate overarching company strategy into the geological strategy for assets within the International Operations.

Operational Excellence

• Is able to demonstrate the value of each opportunity and develop the necessary business cases for option trade-offs.

Project Management

• Understands project management principles and applies them to budgeting, scheduling and execution in own areas of work.

Role Accountabilities

• Modelling behaviour that is consistent with the AGA Safety Vision and Values, assisting in driving a culture where Safety is our first value, and providing support for incident/accident investigations where required.

To support the governance, policy and leadership of Geological Modelling, Mineral Resource Estimation and Geostatistics discipline areas for Geoscience.

This includes:

• Assisting in developing, maintaining and supporting appropriate Policy and Standards with subsequent monitoring and reporting of compliance to those standards.
• Assist with the development, improvement and maintenance of best practice Mineral Resource estimation related business systems (geological interpretation and modelling, resource estimation, geostatistics and reporting).
• Assist with the management of Geological modelling, resource estimation and geostatistical fields within AGA, and provide expert advice and input to the Business Units and other functions.
• Assist with the management of the Mineral Resource Community of Practice within AGA.
• Actively take part in technology improvement projects between AGA groups and sites globally associated with wider mineral resource group.
• Actively monitor Geological modelling, resource estimation and geostatistical tools and techniques to identify opportunities to improve methodologies, identify potential training requirements and facilitate/provide skills transfer and mentoring of Projects and BU personnel.
• Collaborating with programmers, engineers, and organizational leaders to identify opportunities for process improvements, recommend system modifications, and develop guidelines for data governance.
• Deliver direct technical input, support and expertise to M&A due diligence activities and project stage gate reviews.
• High level support to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserves process, including review and analysis of site/project Mineral Resource Technical Reports.
• Active involvement with all Projects and Operations to review and provide guidance of mine site and project Geological modelling, mineral resource and geostatistical projects, methods and processes to ensure alignment/compliance to AGA standards and policy.
• Contributing productively as a member of the Technical Services team.

​​​​​​​People accountabilities

• Support the Geology Discipline Lead maintaining the Discipline Framework.
• Coach and support the development of existing geology personnel as part of Discipline Health.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with geology teams at operations/projects as well as within the CTO Geology department.