Theresa Ruatoka
Bunbury
Summary
Geologist with broad experience in resource drilling and underground / open pit mining with strong geological modelling and technical skills. Have experience in epithermal gold, base metals and Iron Ore deposits. I am a motivated geologist with hands on experience and possess versatile skills in project management and operational leadership. I advocate in the development of peers and junior staff and am committed to making meaningful contributions to drive team success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Geoscientist
Rio Tinto
12.2021 - Current
- Leading the delivery and execution of in-pit RC Grade Control drilling campaigns for short term geological modelling.
- Data management and QAQC reporting including analysis of assay results and geometallurgical validations.
- Mentoring peers to enhance their technical skills and professional development in RC Grade Control campaigns.
- Contributed to the successful geological modelling of the Marra Mamba deposit of the Arrowhead project using the DFM application in Leapfrog.
- Prepared JV Tenement reports for DEMIRS (2022-2024)
Senior Mine Geologist
Chinova Resources Pty Ltd
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Conducted a review of near-surface resources at Osborne UG Mine, refining the definition of an additional 300kt towards mill feed and identifying drill-ready targets for near-mine resource drilling.
- Participated in the evaluation and update of the short-term Grade Control Model for mine optimization and schedule.
- Managed stakeholder requests for Reactive Ground test work and ARD, reviewing sample analysis and reporting results.
- Maintained and updated documentation of SWI's and procedures for Mine Geology of the Underground Remnant Mining Project.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Project Geologist
Chinova Resources Pty Ltd & Lorena Gold Mine JV
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Contributed to the development of a 2,000m near-mine drill program through rigorous data evaluation and project/operation review.
- Participated in field investigations, collecting geological data and samples for lab analysis and interpretation.
- Monitored QAQC and analysis of assay results.
- Compiled data, prepared reports, completed structural and lithological surfaces/wireframes and created maps and cross sections with Leapfrog and Surpac softwares.
- Prepared a technical drilling report at the conclusion of the program, summarizing key findings and providing recommendations for future activities to contribute to strategic resource planning.
- Coordinated with contracting partners and company stakeholders to facilitate smooth project execution processes.
Operations Geologist Underground
Ivanhoe Australia / Chinova Resources Pty Ltd
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Managed tasks across underground operations at Starra 276, Merlin, Kulthor, and Osborne Mines.
- Improved the reliability of geological models through religious data collection in the form of face & wall mapping and generating wireframes and surfaces to assist in grade control decisions and ultimately update resource models.
- Collaborated with technical services teams to optimize mining operations, contributing to improved material grade and productivity.
- Developed strong time management skills by prioritizing tasks and meeting operational deadlines.
- Maintained clear and concise documentation of geological findings through Stope Notes reporting and internal presentations.
- Communicated geological concepts effectively to team members and stakeholders during toolbox meetings and presentations, ensuring clarity and understanding.
Mine Geologist
Kagara Mine Pty Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Thalanga Open Pit and Mungana UG operations. Expanded in open pit experience at the Thalanga Operations, a VHMS deposit.
- Transitioned into underground mining at Mungana Operations for some underground exposure and experience in UG grade control.
Junior Geologist
Curtain Bros PNG & Curtain Bros Qld, Pty Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Database geologist, Port Moresby head office.
- Field geologist at the Magnetite-Skarn deposit in northwest Qld. Carried out re-logging of historical RC chips to amend geological lith codes and undertook soil sampling programs for tenement work.
- Transitioned into Mine Geology at the Mount Moss operation getting experience in open pit mining.
Vacation Geologist
Lihir Gold Ltd
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Five months field experience as part of my BSc degree in Geology. Completed stream sediment sampling & mapping in exploration, exposure to Mine Grade control for Epithermal Au, and core logging for resource drilling.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geology major
University of Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea04-2007
Graduate Certificate - Economic Geology
University of Tasmania
Hobart, TAS12-2026
Skills
- QAQC
- Database management
- Geological modelling/wireframing
- Operational Leadership & mentoring
- Field experience RC/Diamond core
- Practical Geostatistics (basic)
- Mine Geology/Grade Control
- Technical reporting
- Peer Reviews
- Vulcan, Surpac, Leapfrog experience
- Interpersonal skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- AusIMM Mentoring program 2024
- Practical GeoStatistics short course 2024
- LeapFrog course 2023
- GeoData Analytics 2022
- QAQC Certification 2021
- Resource Estimation in Surpac 2019
- The Jorc Code Fundamentals 2019
- QMS123 Certification 2018
Affiliations
MAusIMM Membership since 2015
Languages
English
Pidgin
Motu
Timeline
Geoscientist
Rio Tinto
12.2021 - Current
Senior Mine Geologist
Chinova Resources Pty Ltd
11.2018 - 11.2021
Project Geologist
Chinova Resources Pty Ltd & Lorena Gold Mine JV
01.2017 - 01.2018
Operations Geologist Underground
Ivanhoe Australia / Chinova Resources Pty Ltd
01.2012 - 01.2016
Mine Geologist
Kagara Mine Pty Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2012
Junior Geologist
Curtain Bros PNG & Curtain Bros Qld, Pty Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2011
Vacation Geologist
Lihir Gold Ltd
01.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Geology major
University of Papua New Guinea
Graduate Certificate - Economic Geology
University of Tasmania
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