Mining IQ Member Profile: Abass Joseph, Resident Engineer, Rand Uranium

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Mining IQ Member Profile: Abass Joseph, Resident Engineer, Rand Uranium

Mining IQ is proud to profile its members from mining companies around the globle and to share some of their experiences and stories with you all.

This month on Mining IQ we are profiling Abass Joseph, Resident Engineer Cooke 1 with Rand Uranium in Randfontein, a gold mining town in western Gauteng, South Africa. 

He has been exposed and has experience in the engineering design field, project engineering, project management, transport management, maintenance philosophy, labour relations management as well as operational management of a gold mine. 

Abass – please tell us about your role and responsibilities?

I am a 2.13.1. (Minerals Act & Regulations) appointed engineer on Cooke 1 shaft, Rand Uranium. This makes me legally responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of all machinery, equipment and infra-structure within the boundary of the mine on surface as well as in the underground workings.

How long have you worked in the mining industry?

I have worked in the mining industry for upwards of 30 years now.

How did you embark on a career in the mining industry?

We were recruited after grade 12 by De Beers to be trained as Engineering Draughtsmen. I was successful in the recruitment process....and that is where it started.

What advice would you give to others also looking to work in this field?

Let’s be honest...it is working for the mining industry is a tough environment to work in, with even tougher people...but if you like working with people and push your limits continuously, it is a very rewarding and stimulating career.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

Persevering to establish and sustain a team of technically proficient people to provide a safe and efficient service to the production teams.

What’s ahead for the mining industry and mining companies in 2012 from your perspective?

The continuous challenges around the safety and health that has been a bone of contention for as long as mining has been in existence...then of course, the issue around the nationalization of the mining industry can develop into a huge economic crisis if it is not handled with the correct circumspection.

Why is Mining IQ a valuable resource for you?

Mining IQ provides a wealth of information specific to the mining industry, allowing cross-pollination of ideas, mining industry knowledge, information and an online networking and communication platform.

More about Abass:

He commenced his career in the mining industry with DeBeers Consolidated Diamond Mines in Kimberley, back in 1977. He was recruited to be trained as an Engineering Draughtsman and qualified in 1980 and then was transferred to Saaiplaas Gold Mine in Welkom where he worked in the Design Office until 1986.

He then embarked on completing his studies toward obtaining an N6 National Certificate that would gain him access to the Junior Engineer programme of Anglo American Gold Division as well as qualifying to sit for the Government Certificate of Competency for mechanical Engineers. He obtained my GCC in June of 1993 and has subsequently been active as an engineer in the gold-mining industry except for 4.5 years spent with Shell SA in the Petroleum Industry. He is registered with ECSA as a Professional Certificated Engineer.