Theuns Koen

Security Specialist (Investigations & Operational Security) with a solid track record of effective leadership and management across high-value Gold, Diamond, and Copper mining operations. Recognized as a seasoned international Security Specialist, excelling in high-threat, challenging environments. Dynamic leader with proven ability to motivate and guide multi-national personnel toward operational success while navigating complex, large-scale projects.

Brings extensive global management experience across diverse, high-risk territories, including South Africa, Mali, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Botswana, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Ghana, Suriname, and Pakistan. Career began in the South African Police Service (SAPS) with over 12 years of service, ascending to the rank of Detective Inspector within the specialized Diamond and Gold Branch. Transitioned to private sector as Investigations Manager, steadily progressing to Senior Security Manager across diverse international projects.

MIG Superintendent - Barrick RekoDiq Pakistan - Chagai District, Balochistan, Pakistan

(2024-01 - 2026-12)

MIG Superintendent reporting to the Security Manager. The Reko Diq Mine is a planned mining operation located near Reko Diq town in Chagai District, Balochistan, Pakistan. RekoDiq represents one of the largest copper and gold reserves in the world. Remote site with unique security challenges, building the mine from exploration into the greenfields and construction phase. Stand in for the Security Manager whilst on rotational break and manage the run of security operations.

• MIG Superintendent with starting the Investigations department from the start
• Concluded Open-source intelligence (OSNIT) and (HUMIT) daily monitoring and proactive interaction
• Responsible for all mine-related investigations
• Responsible for gathering Intel and capturing concrete evidence
• Building a database for capturing all past events and relevant incidents
• Created custom remote surveillance for case evidence
• Identifying security threats and studying previous security threats to develop security structures and technology to protect company assets and minimize losses
• Relationship with the local Chiefdom and Community members. Close interaction with local communities
• Interaction and liaison with internal and external governing bodies, FC military, Levies, or Local Police
• Spearheaded complex mining asset security infrastructure for a multi-billion-dollar project phase, ensuring 100% alignment with corporate safety standards and VPSHR guidelines to maintain a zero-incident record regarding human rights
• Audited and managed third-party private security providers against ISO 31030 compliance standards, ensuring total adherence to ethical field conduct and operational protocols
• Syndicate Investigations, Crime Intelligence Analysis, Case Management, Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance, Incident Response

Security Specialist (Investigations and Industrial Security) - Iamgold –Rosebel NV & Zijin Mining - Brokopondo district, Northern Suriname, South America

(2015-01 - 2024-12)

Security Specialist (Investigations and Industrial Security) reporting to the Security Superintendent, Business Integrity. Rosebel is located in the Brokopondo district in Northern Suriname, South America. The project includes the Rosebel and Saramacca mining areas.

Administered a total of 5.56 million ounces of gold (176) tons. Open-cast mining in a vast area and a rainy forest, with eight open pits and a remote site 25km away from the main mining activities. Mill processing unit operations include a gyratory crusher and coarse ore stockpile with feeders, a grinding circuit, a gravity recovery circuit, a leaching circuit, a carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit, and a carbon stripping circuit.

Staff contingency of around 2000 persons.

• Concluded Open-source intelligence (OSNIT)
• Security Investigation Specialist at Iamgold Suriname, responsible for all mine-related investigations
• Primary focus on all Syndicate-related cases
• Systems used in Investigation: Voyager Analytics, Intel techniques, Wenco Fleet management, Visionlink, Gilbarco Fuel Management System, Oracle, and Silver Trail G.P.S. fleet monitoring
• Responsible for gathering Intel and capturing concrete evidence in the online intelligence database

Matriculation - Kroonstad High School (1985-12)

Basic Police Science & Law Enforcement Training - Law Enforcement - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1986-01 - 1986-12)

Public Order Policing: Riot & Crowd Control Operations - Law Enforcement - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1986-01 - 1986-12)

Comprehensive Patrol Dog (K9) Tactical Deployment Course - K9 Operations - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1988-01 - 1988-12)

K9 Explosives Detection, Ordnance & Weaponry Certification - K9 Operations - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1988-01 - 1988-12)

Specialized Counter-Insurgency (COIN) & Tactical K9 Integration Course - Tactical Operations - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1989-01 - 1989-12)

Advanced SWAT & Urban Warfare Course - Tactical Operations - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1993-01 - 1993-12)

Multi-Substance K9 Narcotics Interdiction Certification - K9 Operations - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1993-01 - 1993-12)

Junior Tactical Command & Leadership Certification - Leadership - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1995-01 - 1995-12)

Specialized Detective Operations Certification - Investigations - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1996-01 - 1996-12)

Advanced Informer Management & Intelligence Dynamics - Intelligence - South African Police Service (SAPS) (1999-01 - 1999-12)

Police Administration - Law Enforcement - Unisa RSA (1998-01 - 1998-12)

Fraud Management course - Risk Management - K.P.M.G. Deloit (2000-01 - 2000-12)

Advanced Management Course - Management - P.L.C. (Zambia) (2002-01 - 2002-12)

Fraud / Risk Workshop - Risk Management - K.P.M.G. (2008-01 - 2008-12)

K.E.S.F. training for Kabul Embassy Security - Security Operations - Ronco Training (2010-01 - 2010-12)

Open Source Intelligence (OSNIT) Voyager analytics - Intelligence (2017-01 - 2017-12)

Drone Pilot training and certification - Drone Operations (2023-01 - 2023-12)