Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Joel Thabo Kgomanyane

LOBATSEPlot#77511, Gaborone North, Gaborone, BW

Summary

Resource Geologist with 20+ years’ experience in mineral resource estimation, classification, and 3D geological modelling.
Applies geostatistics, QA/QC, and data integration to improve model accuracy and reduce uncertainty.
Prepares inputs for feasibility studies and Competent Person Reports in line with reporting standards.
Works with geology, mining, and planning teams to resolve data issues and manage resource risks.
Produces clear technical outputs to support mine planning and project decisions.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Divisional Resource Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
Gaborone
06.2023 - 12.2024
Divisional Resource Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company | 06/2023 – 12/2024

  • Delivered geoscience inputs for Orapa Cut 3 Project; integrated multidisciplinary datasets into validated 3D geological and resource models; increased model confidence ~20%; reduced geological uncertainty ~15% in mine design.
  • Controlled mineral resource classification and grade estimation workflows; improved reporting accuracy ~25%; maintained compliance with reporting standards and internal governance requirements.
  • Implemented Technical Assurance Framework processes within MRM; reduced reporting discrepancies ~30%; strengthened consistency, traceability, audit readiness timelines ~20%.
  • Executed AK1 dilution modelling, satellite pipe evaluation, coal characterization studies; reduced dilution risk ~10–15%; improved resource predictability for planning inputs.
  • Produced feasibility study inputs and technical reports; supported capital planning decisions; reduced decision turnaround time ~20% across project evaluation stages.

Senior Project Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
Orapa Mine
01.2019 - 05.2023

Debswana Diamond Company | 01/2019 – 05/2023

  • Delivered technical investigations for on-mine projects; improved geological model accuracy ~15%; applied structured QA/QC systems and validated datasets for modelling.
  • Identified production ore risks using geological analysis; improved recovery efficiency ~10%; reduced dilution ~8% during mining operations.
  • Coordinated annual mineral resource reviews and reporting cycles; reduced reporting timelines ~25%; ensured alignment with governance and compliance requirements.
  • Prepared Competent Person Reports; contributed technical inputs to Cut 3 Expansion studies; reduced technology evaluation and adoption timelines ~15%.

Project Mine Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
Orapa Mine
09.2012 - 12.2018

Debswana Diamond Company | 09/2012 – 12/2018

  • Controlled grade control, pit mapping, reconciliation processes; improved ore/waste classification accuracy ~12%; reduced reconciliation variance ~10% in production reporting.
  • Designed drillhole plans and sampling programs; increased drilling efficiency ~18%; reduced data turnaround time ~20% for geological interpretation.
  • Introduced GPR mapping for diamondiferous gravels; improved detection rates ~15%; strengthened confidence in resource delineation outputs.
  • Prepared technical reports and stakeholder presentations; improved clarity of geological inputs; reduced operational decision response time ~20%

Assistant Project Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
Orapa Mine
05.2010 - 08.2012

Debswana Diamond Company | 05/2010 – 08/2012

  • Coordinated drilling and geophysical survey activities for OREP; contributed to resource upgrades; improved geological confidence ~10% across evaluated zones.
  • Delivered field data collection across multiple projects; achieved >95% on-time completion; maintained adherence to safety and operational requirements.
  • Applied geological logging, sampling, QA/QC procedures; reduced data errors ~15%; strengthened dataset reliability for downstream modelling.
  • Mapped mineralized zones using geophysical surveys; increased exploration success rates ~12%; supported targeting decisions for drilling programs.

Exploration Geologist

Hana Mining Company
Kalahari Copper Belt
01.2010 - 04.2010

Hana Mining Company | 01/2010 – 04/2010

  • Controlled drilling activities in Kalahari Copper Belt; improved productivity ~15%; applied real-time geological interpretation during active programs.
  • Applied geological logging, sampling, QA/QC procedures; reduced dataset inconsistencies ~20%; ensured reliability of exploration data inputs.
  • Refined exploration targeting approaches with technical teams; reduced operating costs ~10%; improved drilling precision and targeting outcomes.

Exploration Coal Geologist

CI C Energy Botswana
Mmamabula Coal Fields
04.2007 - 12.2009

CIC Energy Botswana | 04/2007 – 12/2009

  • Completed coal resource evaluations for pre-feasibility studies; supported investment decisions for large-scale energy development projects.
  • Supervised drilling and geophysical logging programs; improved coal seam identification accuracy ~15%; strengthened confidence in geological interpretation.
  • Improved data capture and reporting workflows; increased interpretation efficiency ~20%; reduced delays in modelling and technical reporting.

Field Geologist

Botswana Geological Survey
Lobatse
05.2004 - 03.2007
  • Orchestrated the planning, management, and execution of geoscience exploration and investigation programmes for the DGS. Managed geological and mineral exploration data sets while ensuring safe archiving in the database.
  • Represented the DGS on Steering Committees for national geoscience projects, advising government departments and stakeholders on Botswana's geological setting and mineral resource potential.
  • Improved geological data accuracy by conducting extensive field research, geophysical surveying, drilling, data analysis and sample collection.
  • Evaluated feasibility of potential mining projects through thorough assessment of economic viability based on geologic findings.
  • Advocated for sustainable practices in resource extraction, aligning strategies with environmental regulations and community needs.

Junior Geologist

Wellfield Consulting Services
Gaborone
01.2000 - 12.2003
  • Participated in a learners' programme to gain real-world experience following graduation, involving engagements in field activities such as drilling and test pumping supervision, as well as ground geophysical surveys under senior consultancy guidance, alongside onsite data collection and reporting.

Education

Management Development Program (MDP) -

University of Stellenbosch
RSA
12-2023

MSc - Mining Engineering

University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, RSA
12-2019

BSc - Applied Geology

University of Botswana
Gaborone, BW
12-1999

Skills

  • Geostatistical analysis and variogram modelling
  • Prioritization and delivery under tight project timelines
  • Clear technical communication for executive and operational stakeholders
  • Mineral Resource Management (MRM) assurance and audit processes
  • Drillhole planning, sampling protocols, and data optimization
  • Grade control strategy design and reconciliation analysis
  • Mineral resource estimation and classification (JORC/SAMREC compliant)
  • 3D geological modelling and model validation (Leapfrog, Datamine, Isatis)
  • 3D geological modelling and model validation (Leapfrog, Datamine, Isatis)
  • Risk identification and mitigation in resource estimation and mine planning
  • Data-driven decision-making using Power BI, Python, and geoscience analytics tools
  • Cross-functional coordination with mining, geotechnical, survey, and planning teams
  • Professional judgement in complex geological interpretation and uncertainty management

Accomplishments

  • Delivered comprehensive Technical Reports/Project Reports for OREP Project.
  • Successfully delivered 3D Geological Models for Orapa Mine Kimberlite Satellite Pipes.
  • Successfully delivered mineral resource estimates for Damtshaa Mine.
  • Technical Lead and successfully delivered the Orapa Mine Coal Characterization Studies.
  • Managed and planned MRM annual departmental geoscience Technical Reviews.

Timeline

Divisional Resource Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
06.2023 - 12.2024

Senior Project Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
01.2019 - 05.2023

Project Mine Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
09.2012 - 12.2018

Assistant Project Geologist

Debswana Diamond Company
05.2010 - 08.2012

Exploration Geologist

Hana Mining Company
01.2010 - 04.2010

Exploration Coal Geologist

CI C Energy Botswana
04.2007 - 12.2009

Field Geologist

Botswana Geological Survey
05.2004 - 03.2007

Junior Geologist

Wellfield Consulting Services
01.2000 - 12.2003

Management Development Program (MDP) -

University of Stellenbosch

MSc - Mining Engineering

University of the Witwatersrand

BSc - Applied Geology

University of Botswana
Joel Thabo Kgomanyane