What industry do you work in and what exactly are your skills?

I work within the Mining Field – Specializing in Exploration of Greenfield and Brownfields development, and my skills are Project Management, Drilling Programs Management, Designing of DD & RC Drilling Programs, People Management, Tenement Management and Geological Report Writing.

What inspired you to get into this sort of industry?

My fascination with rock formations and my enthusiasm for mineral discoveries.

What qualifications and experience did you have to gain in order to establish yourself and therefore become  a professional  within your industry? 

Bachelor of Applied Science – Geology  and more than 11 years experience. Additionally, I am a Member of Australasian Institute of Mining and Metal (MAusIMM) and The Australian Institution for Geo scientists (MAIG).  I am also a Competent Person for JORC and NI 43-101 reporting.

What is the most challenging aspect within your field of work?

Dealing and managing three different elements, Team of People, Machines and Rocks.
I call it the triangle of project success, where balance is critical in this formula to deliver results.

How do you manage and overcome these challenges?

By communication and listening to the three elements (rocks included) and recognizing the capabilities of my team, machines and the lithological formation. Aiming to deliver the best Geological data compiled on the field. 

What has been the highlight of your career?

At Resource Star Ltd – Livingstonia EPL 187/05 Uranium Project in Malawi,
I have added 100 mto the Northern boundary of the tenement (from 8827500mN
to 8827600mN) expanding the resource estimate by following the Radiometric Anomaly into the neighbouring northern EPL. Increasing the orebody by 10% U3O8 Metal Uranium, from 4.58 Mlb U3O8   Contained Metal to 5.038 Mlb  U3O8   Contained at Lower Grade Cut-Off 150  ppm  U3O8.

At LionOre Maggie Hays & Emily Ann Nickel Mines – in Western Australia, I have targeted a new boudinage of Nickel Sulphide to extend the Mine Life Expectancy by 5 years. The boudinage was targeted from surface and intercepted from underground drilling as well.  From the near mine exploration this boudinage has added 16 mt of Nickel Sulphide.

At South Gobi – Mongolia, Tormokhon Gold Project with MicroMine consultancy role, I was capable of identifying a shear zone visible on surfaces which contain PGE, a full rock chip program was implemented and geochemical Lab Assays confirmed the existence of PGE on average of 10 – 15 ppm.

 At Moly Mines, Spinifex Ridge Project Cu/Mo/Ag Cupper Porphyry System in Western Australia,  from diamond core logging, I have identified a secondary mineral at the porphyry system, the mineral is Scheelite a calcium tungstate mineral with the chemical formula CaWO4  and it was confirmed by UV light at night logging. Total Tungsten calculated to be at around 3.35 mt.

What could somebody expect to earn within your field at starting level or at trainee level?

It depends on the individuals and the employer however, between $ USD 75K and $ USD 85K.

What could somebody expect to earn after working within your field after 10 years?

An average of USD $ 160K to USD$ 180K depends on the skills of the individual.

Who is your role model and why?

I am my own role model because I believe in my capabilities and knowledge.

What motivates you to work this hard?

My admiration for my geological work and my enjoyment for new discoveries.

What is your outlook within your industry over the next 5 years?

Based on the global market demands, I believe the Mining Industry will thrive.  However, the boom will be gradual to recover from the current slowdown occurred due to market monopolisation.

As you know, numerous African countries are being invested in due to their rich minerals. Which country within Africa do you think will be the next hot spot and why?

–          Zambia due to European and Asian Copper demands.

–          Botswana and Mozambique due to new Coal discoveries.

–          Zimbabwe due to political changes after ZANU Party loses control.

 You can view Baker Khudeira’s profile on LinkedIn:

M: + 61 449 011 801

baker@ashgill.com.au

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