Since 2021, I have worked in the Zambian Exploration team gaining a deeper understanding of the broad range of sediment-hosted mineralisation styles across the Central African Copperbelt. Initially, my main focus was leading generative work in Mwinilunga, NW Zambia, re-evaluating a range of historic datasets to generate new targets. This ultimately led to FQM’s entry into a new project exploring a large licence portfolio and I directed an ambitious field programme of mapping, soil sampling, audio-magnetotellurics, air-core and diamond drilling. With widespread Kalahari sand cover across much of the Mwinilunga district, this project has been heavily reliant on geophysical interpretations, including the use of machine learning methods to predict bedrock geology and for prospectivity assessments under cover.Later, I was assigned to manage a Brownfields Exploration campaign at Kansanshi mine, Zambia, supervising a large team of geologists and technicians on a diamond drill programme with multiple rigs. This role has emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the various departments on the mine to ensure the project runs on schedule and safely in an active mining environment.

Member of FQM’s Global Generative Exploration team, focussing on porphyry copper deposits. My work included target generation, project appraisals and supporting field campaigns world-wide, including SE Asia, South America, Europe and Africa. A key part of my role was to challenge and mentor geologists, as well as implementing the application of novel exploration techniques, in particular the use of mineral chemistry to vector and assess fertility. I also ran in-house training among the group on machine learning applications and multivariate geochemical interpretation.Later, my principal project was managing a joint-venture exploring two porphyry Cu-Au projects in the Highlands Region, Papua New Guinea. This included diamond drill programmes (helicopter-supported) at advanced targets, as well leading mapping campaigns and surface sampling on early-stage targets operated from small, remote fly-camps. As well as learning how to set up camps and operate in a mountainous tropical environment with no existing infrastructure, I gained valuable experience in community engagement. Working in a remote setting also emphasised the importance of safety, risk assessments and emergency response planning.

The FAMOS (From Arc Magmas to Ores) project aimed to develop new exploration tools for metals in volcanic arcs by understanding the fundamental processes involved in cycling magmas, fluids and metals in these zones. This was a short term PDRA position implementing thin section imagery using the Zeiss Axio-Imager and collection of LA-ICP-MS mineral chemistry data.

This work employed a range of analytical techniques, including LA-ICP-MS, to identify geochemical signals in magnetite which reflect conditions conducive for forming porphyry copper deposits. Magnetite was studied in >100 samples from >35 porphyry Cu systems worldwide. The study of natural magnetite was supplemented by experimental work synthesising magnetite in a controlled environment, in order to better constrain how different factors influence magnetite chemistry. Throughout my PhD, I assisted in teaching undergraduates and supervised master’s research projects. I was an active member of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG), organising field trips to South Africa and Eastern Europe.

Worked on a development stage sandstone-hosted uranium project in NW Queensland, Australia, including a 5000 m diamond drill campaign. I attained skills in core logging and sampling, drill-rig management, and working with traditional land owners. Office work involved report writing, producing cross sections, using GIS software and preparing drill plans. I also gained a solid understanding of finance whilst Laramide completed an IPO and dual-listing on the ASX.