Lourens Erasmus
SENIOR GEOLOGIST - EXPLORATION and DRILLING MANAGEMENT
About
Experienced international exploration manager, management consultant, and advisor for green- and brownfield projects, as well as on- and off-mine exploration in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, for 37 years. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of gold exploration, base metals—including sediment-hosted copper deposits, offshore and onshore diamonds, volcanogenic massive sulphides, and layered intrusions. Skilled in managing all aspects of exploration and drilling contracts, including geochemical and geophysical surveys and geospectral imaging.
Has a proven track record in project management, from project assessment, site surveys, and feasibility studies to strategy development, project cost management, and delivery. Demonstrates the ability to lead multinational and multicultural teams, ensuring high safety standards and compliance with government regulations. Results-driven management professional with a proven ability to lead teams to success.
Strong focus on team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning, process improvement, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organisational needs.
Experience
Vice President of Exploration - Asanko Gold/Galiano Gold - Ghana/South Africa
(2024-06)
- Conducted site surveys on the property for potential targets
- Detailed orebody mapping
- Analysed existing geological data to evaluate the viability for further extraction of orogenic gold
- Investigating the capacity to extend the lifecycle of the mine in Ghana
- Developed, wrote, and presented the strategic exploration plan to Management and negotiated a larger budget than was previously awarded
- Followed up magnetic surveys to target potential mineralisation
Vice President of Exploration - Asanko Gold/Galiano Gold - Ghana/South Africa
(2023-09 - 2024-02)
Contract ended after 6 months.
Vice President of Exploration - Asanko Gold/Galiano Gold - Ghana/South Africa
(2021-06 - 2023-08)
2 years and 3 months. Resigned due to non-payment of salaries (5 months).
Vice President of Exploration - Asanko Gold/Galiano Gold - Ghana/South Africa
(2020-09 - 2021-03)
7 months. JV led to the retrenchment of the geological personnel.
Vice President of Exploration - Asanko Gold/Galiano Gold - Ghana/South Africa
(2020-01 - 2020-05)
5 months. Closing of the JHB office led to the retrenchment of all employees.
Senior Regional Exploration Geologist and Project Manager - SRK Consulting – Ma'aden - Saudi Arabia
(2018-06 - 2019-12)
2 years. End of contract.
- Orogenic Gold and Volcanic Massive Sulphide Exploration on the Nubian Shield, Saudi Arabia
- Supervised an induced polarisation (IP) and gravity survey over promising Gold and Volcanic Massive Sulphide prospects
- Administered the project from inception through to job contract completion, including management of the contractors and subcontractors
Geological Consultant Independent - Independent Exploration Consultant and Advisor - Southern Africa
(2014-05 - 2018-05)
4 years and 1 month.
- Consulted on brown and green fields, gold, copper, diamonds and heavy mineral sand exploration projects in South Africa and Namibia
- Evaluate the viability of the extraction of semi-precious stones in Israel. Performed extensive testing, researched geological data, and prepared reports
- Drafted the Independent Technical Report on Shefa Yamim in Israel, resulting in a successful listing on the LSE
Exploration Manager - Anglo Gold Ashanti - Guinea
(2012-09 - 2014-04)
1 year and 8 months. Budget cut from $22m to $15mil – terminated brownfields exploration drilling.
- Coordinated exploration and drilling activities in Guinea for orogenic gold deposits
- Management of scientists and laboratory control
- Concentrated on an exploration strategy to explore the oxide, marginal, and sulphide potential in the current mining blocks and pits
Exploration Manager (HOD) – Kakanda - Boss Mining - Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) - DRC
(2011-09 - 2012-08)
1 year.
- Target testing of already determined targets
- Exploration of brownfield base metals projects in the Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Managed a variety of prospects in complex, diverse and remote mining environments
- Ensured the highest standards of safety and performance with no lost time injuries recorded
- Monitored quality assurance and quality control within laboratories
Exploration Consultant - Thani Emirates Resource Holdings - Dubai (UAE)
- International base metals and gold exploration. Conducting viability studies and preparing business proposals
- Site investigation into heavy mineral sands in SRI Lanka, amongst others
Principal Geologist - SRK Consulting - Yemen
(2009-12 - 2011-08)
1 year and 9 months. This job and the one before (Thani Emirates Resource Holdings - SRK) were for the same client, just in a different capacity. 2 years and 7 months in total.
- Execution of an exploration program for orogenic gold, infill drilling, target generation through detailed mapping, and database management
Exploration Consultant / Principal Geologist - Thani Emirates Resource Holdings – Dubai (UAE) / SRK Consulting - Yemen - Dubai (UAE) / Yemen
(2009-02 - 2009-11)
10 months.
Regional Exploration Manager - Albidon Exploration Ltd. - South Africa
(2007-04 - 2008-12)
1 year and 9 months. Office was closed and staff retrenched.
- Drove the strategy to achieve the discovery of economic nickel sulphide deposits in Southern and Eastern Africa in collaboration with BHP Minerals
- Technical and logistical management of the Albidon portfolio in Zambia and Tanzania
- Flew Heli-TEM survey in the Tuli Block in Botswana
- Followed up on one significant anomaly
- Drilled a ~14m massive sulphide intersection in the centre of the main anomaly, and no other intersection of note
GM/Exploration Manager - MSA Geological Consultants - Saudi Arabia
Contracted to the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) for all their gold projects (as part of the Geological Survey's Exploration initiative). Investigate and explore projects where the SGS anticipates that value can be added in approximately 8 -10 months for occasions when they auction off these projects to potential bidders and investors.
Chief Exploration Manager - Nubian Mining Company - Egypt
Exploration planning and assessment of green- and brownfield gold and VMS prospects – Eastern Desert, Egypt. Orogenic gold model in the Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS). Detailed mapping aided by a drone photogrammetry survey with a resolution of 15cm.
Acquired
WorldView-3. Shorten mapping time by indicating rock types, structure, and alteration in false colour. Field confirmation was necessary. Concentrate mapping and sampling along structures and shear zones. Detailed sampling of zones of potential. First phase sampling through onsite laboratory, followed up by assaying by ALS. Then, trenching and drilling where appropriate. Procedures and project management according to JORC standards. Magnetic drone survey planned. Investigated the probability that pyrite occurs with gold in shears. If so, we will conduct ground IP surveys to predict where pyrite may be present, and therefore, gold.
Senior Geologist – Business Development - Onex Holding Ltd - Dubai (UAE)
Identified exploration opportunities consistent with the corporate strategic plan. Planning and directing the Company's exploration activities. Assisting in evaluating opportunities for acquisition and development. Preparing and implementing a consolidated exploration plan and budget. Orogenic gold – Guinea (Kiniero), amongst others. Li in Chile, REO in Laos, Tin in Uganda, and Gold in Mongolia.
Consulting Geologist - Consulting Geologist - Southern Africa / Middle East / Sub-Saharan Africa
Projects in the Limpopo Province (Murchison greenstone belt (Sb and Au), South Africa; ARGAS (Sampling and mapping project) in the KSA; and Ethiopia (Gold exploration) and have just received visas for Chad.
Education
B. Sc. - Geology and Geochemistry
Hons - Geology
