Brett van Coller
Managing Director
About
Brett has over 24 years’ experience in exploration and mining projects across Africa.
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After graduating from the University of Cape Town in 1995 with Honours in Geology, Brett joined the Mineral Services Group responsible for the planning and implementation of grassroots exploration projects.
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During this period Brett was responsible for developing the company’s field exploration techniques. He was also intergral to the development of the Mothae Kimberlite Project from conception through to economic evaluation.
In 2006, Brett became a founding member of Remote Exploration Services. Today, as Managing Director, he is responsible for the overall development, management and financial sustainability of the Company.
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Qualifications
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Executive MBA
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B.Sc Hons., Pri.Sci.Nat.
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Class III Diver​
Expertise
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Business Management
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Remote Exploration
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Logistics
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Project Planning
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Project Evaluation
Peter Hollick
Technical Director
About
Peter is a Registered Professional Natural Scientist and graduated from UCT in 1989 with an Honours Degree in Geology.
Prior to joining the Mineral Services Group in 2002 to manage their marine operation, he gained broad industry experience working as Mine Geologist for Anglo, for Benguela Concessions as Chief Geologist and Exploration Manager and culminating as Chief Geologist for TransHex responsible for all technical aspects of marine diamond mining operations along the west coast of South Africa and Namibia.
Since joining Remote Exploration Services (RES) as Technical Director in 2006, Peter has gained further experience in both diamond and non-diamond exploration and evaluation projects throughout Africa.
Peter’s key area of responsibility is ensuring the technical excellence of all aspects of RES operations.
Qualifications
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Executive MBA
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B.Sc Hons., Pri.Sci.Nat.
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Class III Diver​
Expertise
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Technical Diligence
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Mineral Exploration
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Multi-Commodity Focus
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Multi-Disciplinary Approach
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Diamonds and Kimberlite
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Remote Field Operations
Thomas Krebs
Technical Director
About
Thomas is an exploration geologist with 17 years of industry experience, largely focussed on base and precious metal exploration projects. He holds a BSc. in Earth Science from the University of Berne, Switzerland (2006) and a MSc. in Exploration Geology from Rhodes University, South Africa (2010).
Thomas has extensive experience in various aspects of mineral exploration and is the technical lead on several projects. Areas of particular interest include: geochemical exploration, drilling projects, desktop reviews, mineral system models, and multidisciplinary results integration and interpretation. In the last couple of years Thomas has been immersed in the project generation, target generation, and research and development space.
Thomas is discovery driven and passionate about exploration, rocks and mentoring of young geologists to grow and reach their potential.
Qualifications
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MSc. Exploration Geology, Pri.Sci.Nat.​
Expertise
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Geochemical Exploration
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Exploration Drilling Projects
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Target Generation
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Mentorship
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Research & Development
Daniel Jacobs
Consulting Geologist
About
After completing a BSc. in Applied Earth Sciences in 2006, BSc. Honours in Geology in 2007 and Masters in Geology at the University of Stellenbosch, Daniel joined Remote Exploration Services in 2011 and has more than 10 years of geological exploration experience primarily in the evaluation of kimberlites in South Africa, Lesotho, Angola and Botswana.
He is highly experienced in core logging, kimberlite pipe modelling, petrographic analysis of polished slabs and thin sections, management of diamond bulk and micro diamond sampling programmes, kimberlite indicator mineral analysis for the evaluation of diamond bearing potential and diamond sorting.
Daniel’s skill set extends to geochemical and geophysical data QC, processing and modelling. Daniel is also a member of the SEG - Young Professionals, SACNASP, GSSA and GSN.
Qualifications
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MSc Geology., Pri.Sci.Nat.
Expertise
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Kimberlite geology and evaluation
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Potential fields geophysics
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Geophysical interpretation
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Mineral sorting
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Laboratory management
Lutendo Mavhungu
Senior Geologist
About
Lutendo holds an Honours degree in Geology from Rhodes University and is currently enrolled in an Economic Geology MSc course at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Lutendo joined Remote Exploration Services as a geologist in 2014. In her current Project Geologist role, her responsibilities include the management and implementation of field exploration programs, remote sensing, target generation, report writing, and client liaison.
Since joining RES, she has been involved in various exploration projects, spanning both greenfields and brownfields. Lutendo is passionate about mineral exploration and is dedicated to mentoring and training young professionals.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons.
Expertise
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Project management
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Drill management
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Operations
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Soil sampling
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Core logging
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Geophysical surveys
Stephan Dunn
Senior Geologist
About
Stephan holds a PhD in Economic Geology from Stellenbosch University and has been involved in managing a number of projects across Africa for our clients.
His main interest lies within the exploration for structurally-controlled gold and sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits. More recently, Stephan has branched into the exploration for critical metals, being involved in brownfields Lithium projects in Madagascar and Rwanda.
Qualifications
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PhD
Expertise
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Geological Mapping
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Project Management
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Analytical Interpretation
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Data Evaluation
Eric Kruger
Project Geologist
About
Eric joined Remote Exploration Services in 2019. Prior to joining RES, Eric spent two years as a geologist in South East Asia.
During this time Eric was involved in exploration projects on a variety of commodities, including gold, manganese, coal and nickel laterite.
Eric also worked as a supervisor in a precious metal refinery, focusing on gold ore processing and gold refining.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons.
Expertise
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Business Management
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Remote Exploration
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Logistics
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Project Planning
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Project Evaluation
Aaron Adler
Project Geologist
About
Aaron completed his B.Sc. Hons in Geology at UCT in 2016. Prior to joining RES in 2020 he worked in the private and public sector as a geohydrologist.
Aaron's responsibilities include project management, drill rig management, AirCore and diamond core logging, geophysical surveys and soil sampling.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons. (Cand. Sci. Nat)
Expertise
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Project Management
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AirCore logging
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Core logging
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Geophysical surveys
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Data Evaluation
Peter Cloete
Project Geologist
About
Peter joined RES in the beginning of 2019 as a fresh university graduate from Rhodes. Peter’s study focus was on structural interpretation of shear zones in the Namaqua-Natal belt. The 4-week field school, sponsored by RES, opened his eyes to exploration and drew his interest.
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Since joining the team, Peter has run a soil sampling program in Kosovo, managed drill rigs and core logging in Botswana and has logged over 10 000m's of core for a Multi-National Mining Company in the Northern Cape.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons.
Expertise
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Project management
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Soil sampling
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Core logging
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Logistics
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Remote exploration
Gary Mesko
Project Geologist
About
Gary joined the RES team in 2021. He holds a PhD in Geochemistry from Columbia University in the City of New York.
He uses quantitative techniques to gain insight about the solid earth system, and the processes that cycle matter between its reservoirs. Prior to his move to Cape Town, Gary gained a wealth of experience in geochemistry through contributions to numerous projects in various laboratories at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. His primary research focus was on the role of magma in continental rifting.
Gary is a perpetual learner driven by curiosity, and enjoys communicating science at all levels. He has presented research at international conferences and introduced the geosciences to students at many levels.
Qualifications​
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Ph.D Geochemistry
Expertise
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Quantitative Methods of Data Analysis
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Experimental Design for Geochemistry
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GIS Mapping and Interpretation
Jorinda van Coller
Project Geologist
About
Jorinda completed a BSc Hons degree in Geology at the University of Pretoria with a particular focus on the geochronological dating of the red granite suite of the Kunene Anorthosite Complex, Angola. Her second major was in the field of GIS and Remote Sensing.
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Exploration work including geological, geotechnical and geomettalurgical core logging on various commodities including: Iron (South Africa), Copper (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Angola) and Rare Earth Elements (Namibia) as well as trench logging for Lithium (Zimbabwe).
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Experience in Diamond and Aircore Drill rig management, regional soil sampling and geological mapping.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons. Geology
Expertise
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Core and geotechnical logging
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Drill rig management
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AirCore logging and management
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Soil Sampling
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Project Management
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GIS and data management
Harry Lines
Project Geologist
About
Harry graduated from Stellenbosch with a BSc Hons in Earth sciences in 2019, with his thesis focusing on the dating and correlation of Dinosaur (Sauropod) eggshells From the Aix-En-Provence region of France. Continuing his education, Harry then began his Masters studies which involved formulating a method for using Remote Sensing and suitability modelling within ArcGIS to predict new fossil sites throughout the Skeleton Coast region of Namibia. Obtaining the Degree ‘summa cum laude’.
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After taking a break from post graduate studies and getting involved in teaching English, Harry joined RES in February 2022. His initial work involved putting together commodity databases, working on project generation and working on a drilling project in central Namibia.
Qualifications​
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MSc Geology (Sedimentology/GIS)
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Cum Laude - Stellenbosch
Expertise
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Field Mapping
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Sedimentology
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GIS
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Data Management
Jay-Jay Storm
Geologist
About
Jay-Jay joined RES as a Geologist in 2021, following the completion of his Geology Honours Degree at Stellenbosch University. His thesis focused on the distribution and petrography of orbicular diorites within the Bushmanland terrane of South Africa.
Since joining RES, Jay-Jay has worked in Guinea on a core logging project, in Namibia on a soil sampling campaign as well as being part of an IP project.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons.
Expertise
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Exploration geology;
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Remote exploration;
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Soil sampling;
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Core logging
Jan Steytler
Geologist
About
Jan joined Remote Exploration Services in 2021. Before joining RES, Jan completed a B.Sc (Hons) Earth Science and an M.ScAgric Soil Science at Stellenbosch University.
His master’s thesis, “Water Treatment Residual: Potential Amendment to a Sandy Soil”, focused on utilising a water treatment sludge to amend a sandy soil. The thesis consisted of both soil physical and soil chemical analysis in addition to a greenhouse pot trail. Jan has a keen interest in geomorphology, ecosystem restoration and pedology.
Since joining the team, Jan has worked on a diamond drilling exploration project in southern Namibia and has gained experience in core and geotechnical logging in addition to drill rig management.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc (Hons) Earth Science
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M.ScAgric Soil Science
Expertise
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Core logging
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Geotechnical logging
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Drill rig management
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Pedology
Thiashen Nadan
Project Geophysicist
About
Thiashen joined Remote Exploration services in 2021 as a Junior Geophysicist.
Having completed his B.Sc. in Geology and Physics (2018) followed by a B.Sc. Honours in Geophysics (2019) at the University of the Witwatersrand. He later obtained his M.Sc. in Geophysics which focused on the subsurface mapping of the Far Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex using integrated geophysical and geochemical techniques.
Thiashen has worked in Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Egypt and throughout South Africa conducting Audio-Magnetotelluric, Gravity, Induced Polarisation, Magnetics and Loupe Time-Domain Electromagnetic and DGPS surveys. His skills extend to survey planning, geophysical data processing, interpretation and presentation.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc. in Geology and Physics
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B.Sc. Honours in Geophysics
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​M.Sc. in Geophysics
Expertise
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Geophysical Surveying
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Geophysical Data Processing
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Geological and Structural Mapping
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Geochemical Analysis
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Geophysical Data interpretations and inversions
Prodromos Nikolaidis
Project Geophysicist
About
Prodromos joined the RES team in 2023 after completing his MSc in Geosciences at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.
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For his MSc thesis, Prodromos coupled georadar field data with numerical modeling to increase the effectiveness of the method in the exploration of crystallized mineral cavities.
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Although Prodromos was born and raised in Greece, he opted for setting foot on African soil to explore the continent's fascinating geology and potentially be involved with the next great mineral deposit discovery.
Qualifications​
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MSc in Geosciences, Pr.Sci.Nat.
Expertise
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Geophysical surveying
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Geophysical data processing
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Exploration geology
Frank Ndudzo
Geologist
About
Frank joined Remote exploration services in 2021 as a Geologist. He completed his BSc Hons in Geology in 2018 and graduated with MSc in Geology in 2022 at the University of Fort Hare. His research focussed on the Investigation of selected kaolin deposits in the Eastern Cape Province (Grahamstown area) of South Africa using geological, electrical resistivity and magnetic methods. Frank is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Pri.Sci.Nat.) SACNASP member.
Since joining RES, Frank has worked in Zambia on Air core and Diamond drilling projects doing core logging and Geotech as well as core sampling for copper exploration. He has led successful ground magnetic surveys in Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda and Botswana. In Zimbabwe Frank conducted geological mapping, as well as diamond drilling supervision, core logging and core sampling for Lithium exploration in Mutare Greenstone Belt. In Botswana he was involved in diamond drilling and core logging in Kalahari copper Belt. Frank conducted Radiometric survey in Rwanda on a Lithium exploration project. In south Africa he did core logging for Iron ore exploration and he has worked in Namibia doing geochemical soil sampling.
Qualifications​
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MSc. Geology, Pri.Sci.Nat.
Expertise
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Project Operations Management
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Drilling supervision
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Core logging
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Core sampling
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Ground Magnetic surveys
Jason Borett
Geologist
About
Jason graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with a BSC Hons in Geology in 2020. Furthering his studies, Jason is completing an MSc in Economic Geology at the University of Witwatersrand with his thesis focusing on Ni-Cu potential of ultramafic rocks in the Molopo Farms Complex.
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Jason joined RES in late 2021 and has managed an exploration, geometallurgical and geotechnical core logging project on iron ore deposits in the Northern Cape. He also has experience on a core logging project in Egypt, for gold exploration.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons Geology
Expertise
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Exploration logging
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Geometallurgical and geotechnical logging
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3D modelling in Leapfrog
Thato Thamae
Geologist
About
Thato began working for RES in mid 2018 as a Geotechnician, surveying ground gravity, electromagnetics (time domain and frequency domain) and RTK/ArcGIS.
While working on various Northern Cape green and brown fields exploration projects, he has come to appreciate work in the outdoors, the value of teamwork, thorough planning and learnt some data processing techniques.
Thato has extensive experience in Ground Geophysics and brings much rigor and vigor in his role as Geologist.
Qualifications​
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BSc. Hons. Geology
Expertise
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Exploration Geophysics
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Data collection and quality control
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Field staff development
Dylan McEwan
Geologist
About
Dylan completed his B.S.C Hons at Stellenbosch University in 2018.
Prior to joining RES as a Geologist in 2022 he spent four years working for another geology company, two years of which were spent working on exploration projects in the Uganda and Rwanda.
Since joining RES, Dylan has worked in Zambia on aircore and diamond core drilling projects as well as core logging in Egypt.
Qualifications​
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B.Sc Hons.
Expertise
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Field Operations and Geology
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AirCore logging and management
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GIS Software
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Data Evaluation
Siphosethu Nhase
Geologist
About
Siphosethu Joined RES mid 2022 as an Intern Geologist. She worked in various geophysics exploration projects in the Northern Cape. She showed some good project management skills while she was a Junior Geologist and she is now managing the Northern Cape project. She is also responsible for training people who embark on the Northern Cape projects.
Siphosethu is completing her Masters in Applied Geology at the University the Western Cape.
Qualifications​
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BSc Honours Applied Geology
Expertise
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Geophysics Exploration
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Data collection and quality control
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Project management
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Mentorship
Onele Chagi
Geologist
About
Onele joined RES in September 2023. He holds an MSc in Geology with a focus on spatial analysis of mineral deposit distribution to identify important ore-controlling structures in the Ngubevu area of the Tugela Terrane, KwaZulu-Natal. Before joining RES he worked as a data capturer, where he was responsible for capturing and managing geological data related to exploration.
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Since joining RES, Onele has worked on a gold exploration stream sediment sampling project in NE Zambia and copper exploration projects in NW Zambia and Namibia.
Qualifications​
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MSc Geology
Expertise
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Field Mapping
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AirCore drill rig management
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AirCore logging
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Data collection and management
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GIS
Ross Keen
Operations Manager
About
Ross joined Remote Exploration Services in 2006 as a field officer providing logistical and operational support for exploration projects throughout Africa.
He assumed the role of Project Operations Manager in 2012 and is responsible for the operational, HSEC, logistics, camp management and ground implementation of geophysical surveys (Magnetics, Gravity, IP, Resistivity, CSAMT, NSAMT, TDEM and FDEM) and geochemical soil sampling programmes all across Africa.
His responsibilities include the management of company equipment, vehicles and operational oversight across all of the company’s projects.
Qualifications​
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Diploma in Game Ranging and Lodge Management
Expertise
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Remote Logistics and Operations
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Project Setup and Implementation
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Field Geophysics
Leo Sorensen
Operations Manager
About
Leo pursued studies in Construction Science and qualified with a B.Sc. Honours in Construction Management. His first two years of work was as a junior site manager and Environmental Control Officer for a Construction Company in Namibia. The project involved building a large residential development near Windhoek. After Namibia an opportunity presented itself to be a guide for the Quest-Africa Gap year program, which he did for 8 years as the senior guide and operations manager. Leo joined RES as Operations manager in January 2023 and has since been involved in several projects around Africa as Project Operations Manager responsible for the operational, HSEC, logistics, camp management and ground implementation of geophysical surveys (Magnetics, Gravity, Radiometrics) and geochemical soil sampling programmes.
Qualifications​
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BSc Honours Construction Management
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FGASA Guide,
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Adventure Site guide,
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Personal Trainer,
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Sport conditioning coach
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BASI Pilates Instructor. (MTTC and CTTC)
Expertise
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Project management
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Building science
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Logistics
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Camp design and operations
Lourens de Lange
Operations Manager
About
Lourens joined RES in 2024 prior to which he gained 15 years of experience in conservation. He has been privileged to be part of South African National Parks for 11 years and was part of a team working on Marion Island.
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Lourens has vast and diverse experience including logistics, operations, biodiversity management, stakeholder relationships, monitoring and evaluation and project management.
With excellent relationship skills and ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, he is a welcome addition to the RES team.
Qualifications​
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National diploma Conservation
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Project management Foundations
Expertise
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Operations
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Project management
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Logistics
Minnie Gabriels
Lab Technician
About
Minnie joined Remote Exploration Services in 2019 as a Mineral Sorter responsible for sorting and picking kimberlite indicator minerals, splitting of kimberlite sample concentrates and mounting of kimberlite grains in preparation for probing.
Minnie worked for Mineral Services Laboratories for over 10 years before joining RES.
Robyn Hollick
Senior Administrator
About
As Office Administrator of Remote Exploration Services, Robyn is responsible for the smooth running of the office and provides logistical and operation support to the staff in the field.
Prior to joining RES in 2016, Robyn worked for the Mineral Services Group from 2004.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Diploma in Public Relations
EXPERTISE
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Administration
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Procurement
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Human Resources
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Marketing
Derryne Keen
Business Administration & Compliance Officer
About
After completing a BA degree in Psychology and Criminology in 2007, Derryne joined the office team in 2011. She previously worked as an ad hoc field assistant on projects in Namibia and Botswana for RES. Derryne` s role`s across RES and all RES international entities include the complete Business Administration, Human Resources, Company Secretarial and Compliance, Payroll Management, Banking Management, Accounts and Operations.
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Derryne has many responsibilities, while also being the link between the Project Geologists in the field and the office administration and support for all RES projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
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BA Psychology
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Short course certificate in Business Leadership and Management (USB)
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​Short Course Certificate in Compliance Essentials (UCT)
EXPERTISE
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Business Administration
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Company Secretarial and Compliance
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Human Resources
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Payroll Management for Local and Foreign Entities
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Banking Management for Local and Foreign Entities
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Operational Support
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Safety and Logistics
Danielle Oliver
Senior Bookkeeper
About
Danielle joined Remote Exploration Services in 2007 as a Bookkeeper, responsible for maintaining and updating the financial records of RES SA and RES External Branch Namibia.
Other responsibilities include planning of annual audits, conducting monthly reconciliations of all accounts to ensure their accuracy and SARS submissions.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Further Education and Training Certificate: Bookkeeping NQF L4
EXPERTISE
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Accounting
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Bookkeeping
Yusrah Harris
Junior Bookkeeper
About
Yusrah joined Remote Exploration Services in 2021 as a Junior Bookkeeper, responsible for maintaining and updating the field expenses, and capturing invoices.
She previously worked at an accounting firm for 4 years as an accounting and debtors clerk, dealing with invoicing clients, doing clients VAT, PAYE, Cashbooks, Journals, preparing financials and helping out with taxes. She is now settling into the role of junior bookkeeper at RES.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Further Education and Training Certificate:
Financial Management N6
Amanda Booysen
Office Assistant
About
Amanda has been part of the RES team since 2016.
As housekeeper of the office, Amanda is responsible for keeping the office in ship shape condition and her course in the hospitality industry ensures that she feeds the health and wellbeing of the office based staff.