Lysias Nghifikwa
Swakopmund
Summary
Accomplished Blasting Engineer with extensive experience at Swakop Uranium Mine, excelling in optimizing blast designs and enhancing safety protocols. Proven problem solver and team collaborator, proficient in MicroStation V8i and blast mapping, delivering innovative solutions that significantly improved operational efficiency and compliance with safety standards.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Blasting Engineer
Bulk Mining Explosives
Swakopmund
04.2025 - Current
- Develop and test blasting optimization technology, delivering high-quality blasting products and services.
- Conduct and manage blasting risk assessments, optimizing blast designs, and analyzing performance results.
- Ensured compliance with Mine Health and Safety Act, OHS Act, and statutory requirements, enhancing SHERQ management.
- Monitor global technical advances in blasting, implementing policies for process excellence, and improvement.
- Provide advanced technical training to blasting engineers and clients for skill enhancement.
SENIOR ENGINEER: MINING (DRILL & BLAST) - ACTING
SWAKOP URANIUM MINE
Swakopmund
11.2023 - 04.2025
- Monitored and reviewed all blasts, interpreting vibration analysis to develop controlled blasting programs that prevent infrastructure damage.
- Captured performance data of blast hole drills, recommending techniques to enhance productivity.
- Prepared detailed drilling reports while monitoring drilling rates across various formations.
- Managed GET inventory control, conducted tests, and ensured accurate tracking.
- Reviewed and approved design parameters for blasting operations.
- Evaluated explosive performance potential and assessed suitability for mining operations.
- Conducted research on blasting best practices, liaising with the Blasting Contractor for optimal solutions.
- Drafted annual Mining Technical budgets and prepared KPI scoring and payment certificates for Drill & Blasting contractors.
ENGINEER: MINING (DRILL & BLAST)
SWAKOP URANIUM MINE
Swakopmund
09.2023 - 04.2025
- Monitored and reviewed mining (Drill & Blast) procedures to ensure standard compliance.
- Conducted high wall inspections with Geo technical to address all identified concerns.
- Analyzed mining processes results, preparing detailed reports for management review.
- Implemented best practice standards, enhancing safety and quality in work areas continuously.
TECHNICIAN: MINING (DRILL & BLAST)
SWAKOP URANIUM
Swakopmund
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Monitor, advise and implement best and most effective practices for quality assurance, safety and efficiency of procedures as provided for in the work area.
- Analyze mining processes (Drill & Blast) for contractors and identify areas of production improvement.
- Clarify any queries pertaining to the execution of work to the respective stakeholders.
- Record and track blasting data, and prepare reports on blasting quality.
- Monitor blast holes charging compliance.
- Identify contractor operations critical risk areas and hazards.
MINING ENGINEER CONSULTANT (Drill and Blast)
MINTAKA MINING CONSULTANTS (NAVACHAB GOLD MINE)
Karibib
05.2022 - 02.2023
- Onsite consultancy and advisory services on the overall management of drill and blast operations including planning, design and scheduling.
- Provide onsite consultancy/training/mentoring/auditing role for drill and blast functions to facilitate and implement safe and cost-effective drill and blast and related impacts on downstream functions (load and haul, primary crushing).
- On site consultancy/supervision role for the design and the application of blasting with explosives ensuring wall control and minimizing ore dilution including the use and application of appropriate software.
- Review and update drill and blast standards and procedures.
- Establish and implement a system to monitor and report compliance to Drill and Blast Standards.
- Review all technical details of (including and not limited to the design of production blasts, trim blasts and presplit blasting) drilling and blasting operations at Navachab.
- Supports the team to deliver the daily, weekly and monthly mine plan for drill and blast activities.
DRILL AND BLAST ENGINEER
GEZHOUBA MINING SERVICES (SWAKOP URANIUM MINE)
Swakopmund
11.2021 - 04.2022
- Responsible for obtaining relevant permits and licenses for blasting operation.
- Construct drill and blast design including blast hole pattern design, Explosive Charge Design and Blast Initiation design.
- Develop monthly, weekly and daily Plans for drilling and blasting operation.
- Develop and implement procedures that optimize the drill and blast process.
- Review explosive management plan and inventories.
- Prepare drilling and blasting weekly and monthly review reports.
- Lead with incident investigations that occur within the drill and blast operations.
DRILL RIG ASSISTANT
B2GOLD NAMIBIA (OTJIKOTO MINE)
Otjiwarongo
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Assist with spotting of the drill rig during hole-to-hole movement.
- Measure drilled holes, clean and plug the holes.
- Assist drill rig operator with GET change out.
- Assist with drill rig housekeeping and drill block demarcation.
TRAINEE BLASTER
B2GOLD NAMIBIA (OTJIKOTO MINE)
Otjiwarongo
05.2019 - 03.2021
- Assist with demarcation of blast patterns as per procedure.
- Assist with staking of the blast pattern and accurate measuring of the drilled hole depths.
- Record measured depths for the blast holes and mark holes that are to be re-drilled.
- Assist to ensure all blasting related work is done safely and in accordance with the company procedures as well as explosives regulations.
- Assist to charge blast holes and ensure stemming is in accordance with the charge.
- Assist to tie-up the blast pattern as per Blaster instruction.
- Control blasting zone access during the blasting time (flagman).
- Assist at drills when there are no blasting activities taking place and assist with loading and offloading explosives at the magazine.
- Perform housekeeping work as per blaster or foreman instructions.
MINING ENGINEERING INTERN
B2GOLD NAMIBIA (OTJIKOTO MINE)
Otjiwarongo
03.2018 - 09.2018
- Introductory learning of the Mining Processes.
- Completion of Attachment Logbooks.
- Problem Identification and Research Projects.
- Safety, Health and Environment Familiarization.
- Program progress presentations.
Education
BLASTING CERTIFICATE FOR OPENCAST MINES -
MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY
Windhoek, Namibia03.2022
NVQ Level 3: NATIONAL CERTIFICATE - ROCKBREAKING SURFACE EXCAVATIONS: SURFACE MINING AND QUARRYING
PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS
Otjiwarongo, Namibia10.2021
Bachelor of Science Honors - Mining Engineering
University of Namibia-UNAM
Ongwediva, Namibia09.2018
Skills
- Team collaboration
- Decision making
- Problem solving
- Reliable attendance
- MicroStation V8i proficiency
- Blast Map expertise
- Microsoft Office suite
Languages
Proficient, Proficient, Proficient
References
- Immanuel Matheus, Senior Mining Engineer: Technical (Swakop Uranium), immanuelmatheus@yahoo.com, +264 81 456 8294
- Rafael Kalumbu, Senior Mining Consultant (Mintaka Mining Consultants), Rafael@washalimba.com, +264 81 282 8334
Timeline
Blasting Engineer
Bulk Mining Explosives
04.2025 - Current
SENIOR ENGINEER: MINING (DRILL & BLAST) - ACTING
SWAKOP URANIUM MINE
11.2023 - 04.2025
ENGINEER: MINING (DRILL & BLAST)
SWAKOP URANIUM MINE
09.2023 - 04.2025
TECHNICIAN: MINING (DRILL & BLAST)
SWAKOP URANIUM
03.2023 - 08.2023
MINING ENGINEER CONSULTANT (Drill and Blast)
MINTAKA MINING CONSULTANTS (NAVACHAB GOLD MINE)
05.2022 - 02.2023
DRILL AND BLAST ENGINEER
GEZHOUBA MINING SERVICES (SWAKOP URANIUM MINE)
11.2021 - 04.2022
DRILL RIG ASSISTANT
B2GOLD NAMIBIA (OTJIKOTO MINE)
04.2021 - 10.2021
TRAINEE BLASTER
B2GOLD NAMIBIA (OTJIKOTO MINE)
05.2019 - 03.2021
MINING ENGINEERING INTERN
B2GOLD NAMIBIA (OTJIKOTO MINE)
03.2018 - 09.2018
BLASTING CERTIFICATE FOR OPENCAST MINES -
MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY
NVQ Level 3: NATIONAL CERTIFICATE - ROCKBREAKING SURFACE EXCAVATIONS: SURFACE MINING AND QUARRYING
PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS
Bachelor of Science Honors - Mining Engineering
University of Namibia-UNAM