Stephen Afou
Accra,Ghana
Summary
Experienced professional with extensive expertise in Mineral exploration and mining software, including proficiency in Micromine 3D Geological Exploration & Modelling Software, Minesight 3D Exploration & Mining Software, Leapfrog 3D Exploration Software, Datamine Software, ArcGIS, and iOGAS. Demonstrates strong management skills encompassing budget management, staff supervision, performance evaluation, productivity improvement, resource allocation, strategic planning, process implementation, quality assurance, compliance understanding, timeline coordination, and change management. Adept at data analysis and sales strategy development with a proven track record in conflict resolution and project management. Committed to efficient decision-making to drive organizational success. Driven professional with a proven track record in team leadership and operational excellence, demonstrating exceptional communication skills and strategic problem-solving abilities. Proficient in resource management and conflict resolution, ensuring optimal team performance and smooth workflow. Committed to driving growth and fostering a collaborative environment in [Desired Position] role.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Unit Manager, Regional Exploration
Asanko Gold a subsidiary of Galiano Gold
Kumasi, Amansie West, Nkran-Obotan, Ashanti Region
09.2015 - Current
- Oversaw budget management to prevent overspending.
- Resolved conflicts swiftly within the team, and maintained a harmonious work environment.
- Mitigated risk factors by implementing proper control measures.
- Created an inclusive culture within the team; encouraged open community.
- Leader of the generative/grassroots exploration team overseeing the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of all generative exploration activities to sustain a pipeline of activities for the exploration department.
- Work in collaboration with colleague unit managers in allocating and deploying resources (logistics, consumables, personnel, tools, and equipment) to ensure that exploration activities are carried out timeously and efficiently based on the company’s exploration strategy and philosophy.
- Led team through successful project completions for enhanced productivity.
- Developed strategic plans for achieving unit objectives.
- Coordinated unit meetings, ensured clear communication amongst all members.
- Fostered a positive work environment, improved employee morale and job satisfaction.
- Trained new employees on standard operating procedures, reduced learning curve period significantly.
- Managed resources effectively for optimal utilization.
- Liaison with the company's land access and community affairs department to engage and compensate farmers and land users for timely land release for exploration activities.
- Ensures the achievement of high performance by the Company in the management of health, safety, and the environment, particularly within the exploration department.
- Assesses and interprets all available data sets to rank exploration targets and opportunities.
- Planned, organized, and executed early-stage exploration programs such as soil sampling, geological mapping, trenching, and drilling activities.
- Plays active ‘hands-on’ field-based role in all exploration programs and data collection.
- Effectively manages multiple field crews on various exploration projects simultaneously in multiple locations within Ghana.
- Assigns duties to and monitors activities of subordinate team members to ensure achievement of performance targets.
- Develop detailed documentation to justify proposed exploration programs to support application/request for exploration expenditure.
- Ensure geology staff are properly trained in all applicable SOPs and ensure these standards are maintained through field job observations.
- Ensure optimal drilling schedule is adhered to and deliver priority targets promptly.
- Conduct internal audits of the geology/exploration management system and reconcile these against external audits.
- Leads in the organization of toolbox meetings, and safety briefings of direct reports and crew members
- Coordinates with vendors, contractors, service providers, and consultants to ensure efficient service delivery to the exploration team.
- Creating, generating, managing, and presenting sound, data & high-quality geologic interpretations, and recommendations for exploration grounds and/or drilling opportunities to Sr. Management
- Prepares and delivers technical presentations to management, high-profile visitors & investors, etc.
- Exploration geology including detailed geological logging, ensuring geoscience best practices, drill planning, developing interpreted geological sections for resource modeling, and report writing.
- Monitors costs related to exploration geology and implements approved recommendations for maximizing operational efficiencies.
- Monitor and mentor other Geologists, Interns, and Technicians
- Budgeting, planning, supervision, and drilling of DD and RC communication and mutual respect among staff members.
- Liaised with other departments to ensure smooth operations.
- Conducted performance evaluations with constructive feedback, resulting in performance improvement.
- Conducted performance evaluations with constructive feedback, resulting in performance improvement.
- Delegated tasks appropriately to maximise productivity of the team.
- Participated in recruitment process for selecting competent candidates for the unit.
Independent consultant
Breakthrough Resources Ghana Ltd
Accra, Greater Accra Region
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Led the implementation of innovative technologies for increased productivity.
- Liaised closely with clients throughout the consulting process, ensuring satisfaction at every stage.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships through effective communication and engagement methods.
- Reviewed historical data for the Sewum mine owned by the Breakthrough Resources gold project in Enchi.
- Planned and executed underground mapping and sampling of underground workings of the Sewum mine workings at Enchi on the Bibiani Belt.
- Did the conceptual geological model for the initial 200-kilo oz gold Sewum project.
- Proposed and supervised 6000m DD and 1000m RC drilling, logging, sample submission, and analysis of drill sample data for the Sewum project
- Updated the Conceptual model with additional data after drilling and helped upgrade the Sewum project resource to 400 oz of gold of which 340,000 oz. was in the indicated category.
- Scrutinised existing and proposed methods and procedures.
- Assisted teams with implementing new recommendations and revising instructions for staff.
- Drafted procedure manuals, work definitions, and standard operating procedures by job title or work area.
Exploration Manager
Breakthrough Resources
Accra, Greater Accra Region
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Led 3 geologists in desktop studies on 4 properties in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Organized reconnaissance mapping, trenching, and sampling for gold, copper, and cobalt in the Likasi, Lwambo, and Kolwezi areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Katanga province.
- Developed Exploration Proposals for one (1) gold, two (2) copper, and one (1) cobalt reconnaissance licenses which led to the granting of exploration license requests in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Member of the company’s upper management team and promote the corporate strategy.
- Maintain the company’s costs and budget forecasts and foster a culture of cost awareness within the team;
- Report any failure to apply company policies, about corruption, professional conduct, disrespect of personal freedom/rights, and rules to prevent discrimination at the workplace.
- Administer discipline to employees under your supervision in line with the Disciplinary Code of the Company.
- Present all documentation on disciplinary actions taken in consultation with HoD to the Unit Manager – HR, People and Development.
- Apply disciplinary actions in circumstances involving unsatisfactory job performance, gross inefficiency, or unacceptable personal conduct.
- Ensure that all directives, site notifications,announcements, and any other information meant for the workforce have been communicated to employees under your supervision and records of the communication are documented.
- Ensure that your subordinates understand all directives, site notifications, announcements, and any other information meant for the workforce.
- To seek clarification on issues raised by subordinates to your next line manager and feedback to the employee(s) who raised the issue.
- Communicate policies and procedures in a manner as to achieve full understanding and compliance.
- Work effectively with minimal supervision and in a multicultural environment
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Applied critical thinking to analyze problems, evaluate solutions and select thebest decisions.
Country Manager, Exploration
Jonah Capital -American JV: Iron Ore Exploration
Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Led multicultural teams to achieve organizational objectives.
- Set up new offices nationwide to expand business reach.
- Directed marketing campaigns for increased brand awareness locally and internationally.
- Managed crises effectively minimising potential damage to company reputation.
- Involved in desktop studies leading to the acquisition of six licenses in Liberia.
- Responsible for Planning and executing ‘ground truthing’ with air-support (helicopter) for Iron ore exploration on six (6) licenses in Liberia namely Gbarnga, Grand Gedeh, South Nimba, Twa River, Cocopa, and Lofa.
- Involved in planning and undertaking airborne geophysical, magnetics, and radiometric surveys to determine geophysical anomalies.
- Liaison between the EPA, Ministry of Lands Mines and Energy, Geological Survey, County and Traditional Authority, Parliamentarians, Opinion leaders, and Non-governmental organizations to ensure smooth operations of Anglo America and Jonah Capital in Liberia
- Coordinated support for all exploration programs.
- Preparation of the annual budget, project expenditure, reporting monthly, forecasting and accruals, cash calls, and annual reporting.
- Responsible for visitor arrangements, hotel reservations, transport arrangements, and site inductions
- Involved in the development of exploration proposal, liaison for approval by the ministry of lands, mines, and energy, and conversion of licenses from reconnaissance to exploration leases for all Jonah & Anglo-American projects in Liberia.
- Planned and supervised all 3-phases of Exploration starting from baseline cutting, mapping, and trenching drilling and sampling activities in all six (6) project areas.
- Undertook community mobilization, sensitization, and liaison in six license areas before and during exploration activities.
- Supervised drilling contractors, approved invoices, approved requisitions for logistics, etc.
- Managing a fleet of 12 Vehicles, 6 senior geologists, 10 junior geologists, 5 paramedics, 15 field technicians, 25samplers, 42security personnel, 16 kitchen personnel, and over 120 casual laborers as well as drilling and road construction, sub-contractor
- Doubled as community relations manager responsible for liaison. Also developed proposals for social responsibility programs culminating in the building of 2 schools, 19 boreholes, 3 public toilets, and 75km of feeder roads for Zeansue, Nanlah, and Beo-Garnaglay communities in Bong and Nimba Counties of Liberia all under my supervision.
- Liaison for Purchase of X-Ray scanning machine for Phebe Hospital in Bong County. Purchase and distribution of computers, printers, books, teaching/learning aids, and instructional material for schools in Suakoko, Sanoyea, Bong County, and Twa-River as well as Buu-Yao districts of Nimba County respectively.
- Managed overall operations, enhancing company's presence in the region.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that led to employee retention and job satisfaction.
- Fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders for improved operational effectiveness.
Consulting Geologist & West African Representative
Minxcon Exploration & Mining Consultants
Johannesburg,, Gauteng
06.2009 - 01.2011
- Conducted field studies for enhanced understanding of geological phenomena.
- Performed seismic interpretation, leading to improved subsurface models.
- Applied petrographic techniques, improving identification and classification of rock types.
- Improved site characterisation by executing comprehensive geological surveys.
- Utilised geochemical methods, resulting in improved dating of rock formations.
- Prepared technical reports for effective communication of research findings.
- Undertook climate change research with focus on the impact of glacial melting.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives.
Snr Geologist
Met-Chem Canada Inc now Part of DRA
Montreal , Canada
10.2007 - 05.2009
- Did the initial conceptual geological models of the Yulliton, Gangra, and Tokadeh projects in Liberia owned by ArcelorMittal, Nimba County.
- Involved in designing and implementing the sampling and QAQC protocol for the Arcelor-Mittal Iron project at Yekepa.
- Liaison between Met-Chem Canada, Geosol Drilling Ltd, Brazil, and ArcelorMittal in Liberia.
- Planned and sourced personnel and logistics for exploration activities for the Gangra and Yulliton Projects
- Programmed and coordinated field mapping exercises for Tokadeh, Beaton, and Gangra projects in Liberia.
- Helped to plan and execute 3-phases of diamond drilling at Gangra, Tokadeh, and Yuliton project areas.
- Supervised the drilling and was involved in the logging, sampling, and export of core samples to the AMEC laboratory in Montreal, Canada for analysis.
- Wrote safety operating procedures (SOPs) for core cutting, core handling, and sample transport to the analytical laboratory in Canada.
- Adhered to all safety protocols and PPE requirements to safeguard staff, environment and equipment.
Section Geologist
Gold Fields Ghana Ltd
Tarkwa, Western Region
01.2005 - 09.2007
- Budgeting, planning, and supervision of RAB, RC, and Diamond drilling and logging on several green and brownfields.
- Responsible for developing, modifying, and implementing exploration and drilling-related SOPs in the field.
- Responsible for implementation and management and full compliance of Gold Fields Environmental, safety management systems, and exploration protocols in the exploration activities.
- Supervision, monitoring, and insurance of data quality during collection, capture, storage, and retrieval (QAQC)
- Geological modeling writing project handover reports.
- Stockpile Management using Excel spreadsheets and access software.
- Reconciliation of Grade control models vs. actuals from mining and Resource models vs. Grade Control models.
- Responsible for validation of data and QaQc for exploration, resource, and grade control purposes.
- Monitoring and supervision of grade control crew & other geology operations personnel.
- Generation of flitch plans from the GC and resource models for ore markouts.
- Helped in theimplementation of safety management systems.
- Developing multiple projects such as the Tomento, Lima, Rex, and Amoanda pits for long-term LOM sustainability
- Trained and developed subordinates in the geology department
Mining geologist
Gold Fields Ghana-Damang Mine
Tarkwa, Western Region
01.2003 - 12.2003
- Interpreting drill hole sections and delineating pods/updated geological models using MineSight software for updates of resources and reserves of the various projects of the Damang mine namely: Lima South, Tomento North, Chida& Chida South, and Tomento West & East as well as Tamang projects.
- Database management using Acquire and ACCESS database software.
- involved in the implementation of QMS for drilling and sampling for SOX compliance.
- Involved in the environmental management system and compliance as landowner liaison for new drilling projects.
- Preparation of AFEs and environmental clearing permits for extension, resource development, and infill drilling projects
- Undertook a structural mapping of the active paleo-placer placer pits.
- Marking out boundaries per surveyed outlines and adjusting ore/waste contacts caused by movement resulting from blasting.
- Supervised excavation of marked-out ore and waste boundaries.
- Keeping loads of ore and waste material and monitoring material movement to dumps, run of Mine (ROM), or stockpiles.
- Routine sampling of stockpiles and ROM (run of mine) for reconciliation purposes, Mappingpit high walls and pit floor for data for incorporation into updates of geological and structural models.
- Supervised grade control drilling processes including samplers.
- Logging of diamond and RC drill core for grade control model updates and resource development purposes standards on-site with regular risk assessment reviews.
- Reduced project costs by implementing efficient excavation strategies based on geological assessments.
- Boosted operational efficiency by maintaining precise records of mineral findings.
- Managed inventory of tools and equipment required for geological investigations, reducing downtime due to loss or damage.
Hydrogeologist
Community Water and Sanitation Agency
Bawku, Upper East Region
09.2000 - 11.2001
- Managed geotechnical investigations for groundwater supply to small Towns and villages under the World Bank/DANIDA/ADB CWSPII project.
- Managed and supervised ground condition assessment for pumps and mechanized boreholes.
- Bawku East District Assembly team technical person for technical proposal evaluation and compilation of no objection reports.
- Trained communities in water, sanitation, conflict resolution, and sustainable project management using PRA/FGD/PLA tools.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Ghana Institute of Public & Management Administrat
Accra, Greater Accra Region 09.2017 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Geology & Chemistry
University of Ghana
Accra, Greater Accra Region 09.1996 - 06.2000
Skills
- Budget management
- Staff supervision
- Performance evaluation
- Productivity improvement
Exploration & Mining Software Competencies:
Mircomine 3D Geological Exploration & Modeling Software
Minesight 3D Exploration & Mining Software
Leapfrog 3D exploration Software
Datamine Software
ArcGIS
iOGAS
Management Skills
- Resource allocation
- Strategic planning
- Process implementation
- Quality assurance
- Compliance understanding
- Timeline coordination
- Change management
- Data analysis
- Sales strategy development
- Conflict resolution
- Project management
- Efficient decision-making
Certification
· July 2022-Basic & Intermediate Training Course in Geostatistics; Isatis, Brown & Associates-Asanko Gold Mine
· May 2016-Global Lithospheric Architecture Mapping (GLAM) Course; Accra-Ghana
· May 2016-Training & Examination for Blast Man Competency Certificate
· Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Micromine Training, Asanko Gold Mine
· 2015-Metallogeny of Africa, Short course organized in Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
References
Jan A. van Graan
Consultant-Geologist
P.O.Box 44362
Linden, 2195
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 8883267
+27 82 7734283
Email: mwjanvg@mweb.co.za
Mr. Charles Muller
CMJ Consult and Minesoft(Pty) Ltd
Director, Resource
Suite 4& 5, Coldstream Office Park,
2 Coldstream Street, Little Falls, Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa,
Cell: +27(0) 83 2308332
www.minxcon.co.za
Uwe Engelmann
Director, Mineral Exploration and Project Management
Minxcon (pty) Ltd
Suite 4&5, Coldstream Office Park,
2nd Coldstream Street, Little Falls, Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
Cel : +27(0)823766564
Email: uwe@minxcon.co.za
Timeline
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Ghana Institute of Public & Management Administrat
09.2017 - 05.2020
Unit Manager, Regional Exploration
Asanko Gold a subsidiary of Galiano Gold
09.2015 - Current
Independent consultant
Breakthrough Resources Ghana Ltd
01.2015 - 08.2015
Exploration Manager
Breakthrough Resources
01.2014 - 12.2014
Country Manager, Exploration
Jonah Capital -American JV: Iron Ore Exploration
01.2011 - 12.2013
Consulting Geologist & West African Representative
Minxcon Exploration & Mining Consultants
06.2009 - 01.2011
Snr Geologist
Met-Chem Canada Inc now Part of DRA
10.2007 - 05.2009
Section Geologist
Gold Fields Ghana Ltd
01.2005 - 09.2007
Mining geologist
Gold Fields Ghana-Damang Mine
01.2003 - 12.2003
Hydrogeologist
Community Water and Sanitation Agency
09.2000 - 11.2001
Bachelor of Science - Geology & Chemistry
University of Ghana
09.1996 - 06.2000
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