VBKOM Geological Services can assist with all aspects throughout the exploration and Mineral Resources value chain. The services offered include:
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VBKOM offers full prospecting and mining right management solutions taking full cognisance of our Clients’ unique requirements and budgetary considerations.
Activities include the following:
Our geological team has an excellent knowledge of various exploration methodologies and their appropriateness throughout the exploration and Mineral Resources value chain.
We will design exploration programmes to ensure maximum return on invested capital and in line with the requirements as embodied in all major Reporting Code guidelines, including SAMREC (2016), JORC (2012) and NI 43-101 (2011).
VBKOM will also assist in finding appropriate laboratories, where applicable, to conduct high quality analyses for your project as well as with implementing Code-relevant analytical QA/QC procedures. We also readily conduct data management and communications between various exploration vendors, laboratories and the Client in order to ensure smooth progression through the value chain.
Mineral Resource Auditing helps to ensure data quality meets reporting codes, reducing risk for transactions and mine development.
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The VBKOM Team prides itself on the quality of its geological modelling. Our unique approach and enthusiasm ensure high quality maximum geological input into our modelling. High quality geological modelling often results in realistic high integrity Mineral Resource estimates, with a lower dependency on complicated geostatistical solutions.
Mineral Resource estimation at VBKOM is conducted in line with the requirements as embodied in all major Reporting Code guidelines, including SAMREC (2016), JORC (2012) and NI 43-101 (2011).
We conduct statistical and geostatistical analysis unique to various commodities and commodity groupings. Block models are created on defined geological domains and utilising commodity appropriate estimation techniques.
Our Mineral Resource estimates and Mineral Resource Classification take cognisance of all major inputs including, database quality, QA/QC, geological continuity, population and spatial variance in line with the various Reporting Codes and undergo rigorous validation and internal review before release.
VBKOM is equipped to conduct tailor-made Mineral Resource Technical Audits and Reviews as well as Technical Due Diligences to assist potential investors in making an informed decision when conducting project acquisitions. Existing operators may also use this service to conduct operational/project Gap Analyses to improve their geological and Mineral Resource standards.
VBKOM has developed specialised tools to rate all required aspects of Mineral Resource estimation following the full Mineral Resource value chain from Exploration (including laboratory audits) through to operational grade control.
We believe that the geological grade control processes adopted at any mine site add significant value to an operation and are directly related to the financial soundness of any mine site. VBKOM can assist with assessing your grade control needs and implementing high quality grade control solutions for your operation in order to maximise mining yield to your plant. We are highly qualified to assist your geological team with training to ensure the value-add of mining geology and grade control is maximised.
The VBKOM geological team has intimate knowledge and understanding of the requirements in terms of Mineral Resource reporting with respect to all the major Reporting Codes, SAMREC (2016), JORC (2012) and NI 43-101 (2011), and can easily relate the differences and the potential pitfalls associated with each. We deliver high-quality Competent/Qualified Person’s Reports suitable for fundraising and submission to the relevant stock exchanges.
VBKOM will gladly assist with onsite operational or exploration field training – right throughout the Mineral Resource value chain (from geological mapping to geological modelling) to Project delivery. We specialise in producing training solutions best suited to your operation and your operational requirements.
In addition, VBKOM can assist in assessing, generating and implementing geologically related Standards of Practice congruent with industry best practice and are in line with the reporting requirements as embodied in the various Reporting Codes.
The VBKOM geological team has an excellent understanding of the geotechnical requirements relative to the various levels of Studies from Concept to Feasibility. We conduct upfront planning with regards to drilling and data collection to ensure maximised geotechnical input throughout the project progression. In addition, VBKOM has a ticketed Rock Engineer capable of conducting and modelling geotechnical requirements for your project or operation. Our Rock Engineer also has extensive skills based on experience and training in slope stability radar systems and data analysis. These skills include slope failure prediction, alarm threshold validation as well as optimal setup and usage recommendations.
Geo-metallurgy is a growing value-add in the mining industry and involves cross-functional collaboration between geology and metallurgy, resulting in better inputs to mine planning and strategic decision making. Metallurgical design decisions made without full appreciation of the geology or Mineral Resource can limit ability to deal with variability, constraining the process right from design.
VBKOM can assist with understanding variability in the orebody which will enable operational design optimisation and accurate evaluation of extraction methods which maximize value recovery. The VBKOM geology and metallurgy teams work closely together to render meaningful results which mitigate risk to our Clients’ projects and operations.
Geological Consulting Brochure
Geological Consulting Brochure (French)
Competent Persons' or Technical Reports Capability
Chantelle fell in love with geology from a young age as her cousin was a geologist in the Petroleum industry, and she was fascinated by the subject.. She spent all of her holidays in the Karoo, and shares “I got to explore in the veld and found the rocks to be very interesting.”
Chantelle graduated from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University with a BSc Geology and Chemistry degree in 1994. She then completed her BSc Honours Degree in Geology from the same university in 1995. She shares with much pride that one of her greatest academic achievements have been completing her MSc Geology in 2021, obtaining her degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.
One of the highlights of Chantelle’s early career (in Matric) was being part of the first South African contingent to go to France in 1989 to represent South Africa at the Milset Science Internationale Expo with a geology project. She is also very proud to have been presented with a Paul Harris Award by Rotary International for her service to the community and her local Rotary Club.
Chantelle is believes in “Being the best me I can be”, and has great plans to continue to have a positive attitude to life, being an inspiration to other women and helping others.
Senior Resource Geologist, Laurence Hope, grew up in the East Rand, initially dreaming of becoming a climatologist. Laurence started his career as a Learner Official Geologist at East Driefontein Gold Mine whilst obtaining his Economic Geology Diploma from Wits Technikon.
He shares that the then senior geologist at East Driefontein, Bill Kellaway, was the key influence in him pursuing and furthering his career as a resource geologist. Laurence shares that the most satisfying part of being a geologist is, “Building 3D models in software from old historic data, and then having the client see the 3D representation of a complex model.”
At home, Laurence is husband to wife Gabby, father to his son and daughter, and stepson and stepdaughter. He is also the proud grandfather of four grandchildren. He and his wife both have Italian heritage, and they enjoy feasting on Italian food.
Laurence loves spending time with his family, unwinding with old-school music, and is passionate about motorcycles, Moto GP and SpaceX.
Gauteng-native, Maria, joined VBKOM in 2024 as a Senior Geological Consultant. While childhood dreams of becoming an Aeronautical Engineer took flight, her natural curiosity and fascination with Earth Sciences ultimately steered her towards a fulfilling career as a geologist. Maria graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BSc in Geology in 2005, followed by a BSc Honours degree in Geology in 2006. In 2023 she obtained a MSc Environmental Science Degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Beyond academic achievements, Maria finds the most satisfaction in witnessing the “full value chain of what I do in the total global economy, from reviewing geological terrains all the way through to the role of each commodity in the lives of every global citizen.” Driven by the belief that every experience offers valuable lessons, Maria embraces continuous learning, seeking to understand herself, others, and the intricate web that binds us all.
A passionate advocate for sustainable integration, Maria is dedicated to educating individuals about its principles and fostering mindful interaction with the environment.
When not exploring the complexities of the natural earth, Maria avidly indulges in off-the-cuff activities and travelling the world.
Brian Nhlapo joined VBKOM in November 2023 as an intern geologist. He is a VBKOM_bursary holder who studied towards his MSc Economic Geology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
A fun fact about Brian is that he collects different rocks from most places that he goes to build his own rock library.
Training Programmes
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM delivers another successful Open Pit Mine Planning and Design course in partnership with Enterprises UP. This course equips individuals with the essential skills to excel in the mining industry.
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM is committed to nurturing young talent in the mining industry. Our bursary program provides financial support and mentorship to promising South African students. In 2024, seven students were awarded bursaries and joined VBKOM for a Heritage Day celebration. By investing in the next generation, VBKOM is shaping a brighter future for the mining industry.
Friday, September 8, 2023 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM prides itself on giving back to the community and on helping others to achieve success. We acknowledge the importance of fostering and nurturing talent within the mining sector, viewing it as a prime opportunity for advancing our brand.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 | Paul Obermeyer
The University of Pretoria invited VBKOM to participate as guest lecturers for the 2023 final-year undergraduate Mining Engineering students.
Thursday, October 6, 2022 | Chantelle van der Walt
VBKOM recognizes the need to grow and support talent in the mining industry as one of the greatest opportunities to grow our brand.
Monday, November 29, 2021 | George Olivier
In an effort to contribute to the overall growth of the global market, Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP) together with experts from the Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP) successfully presented the Open-Pit Mine Planning and Design course to delegates from various mining houses in South Africa.
Thursday, May 27, 2021 | Chantelle van der Walt
A geological model forms the foundation of the mining value chain, upon which all resultant assumptions are based – from initial target delineation to Mineral Resource estimation to final reserving and metallurgical processing.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | Gideon van Zyl
We at Sehlare Sa Meetlwa partner locally with mining houses in the Northern Cape and offer our clients full EPCM services for their capital management requirements.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 | Paul Obermeyer
Geological mapping is a reliable and cost-effective technique used to reduce geological and mining uncertainty, to avoid loss and assist with Health and Safety.
Monday, July 27, 2020 | Chantelle van der Walt
In this article, we would like you to meet our Geological Consulting team. Headed by Paul Obermeyer, and supported by Wendy Keiller.