About
The history, values and team that drives Earthlab
Who we are
The Earthlab team has served the mineral industry since 2012, bringing our unique combination of technical expertise, a solution-driven mindset, and innovative services to every project. As a geological consulting company based in South Africa, we’ve earned recognition for our project successes across Africa and into South America.
Today, we stand as your trusted partner in geological exploration, technical report consulting, mine planning, and mineral resource management. With a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges, we provide accurate mineral exploration and economical mining practices to sustainably meet global resource demands.
Our Values
Integrity
At the core of our values, we prioritise unwavering honesty and ethical conduct, ensuring our clients receive services built on a foundation of trust.
Trust
Built on a commitment to transparency and honesty, we aim to earn and maintain the unwavering trust of our clients and industry partners.
Excellence
Be recognised and known for our consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
Collaboration
Foster a culture of teamwork and open communication, both within Earthlab and with our partners.
Tenacity
Demonstrate persistent determination and perseverance to complete tasks despite difficult challenges.
The Earthlab Team
Deon du Plessis
B.Sc. (Hons) Geology, M.Sc. Geology – University of the Free State | Pr.Sci.Nat: 400050|05 | FGSSA: 96338
With over 20 years of experience in corporate minerals exploration and the mining industry, Deon has developed a keen interest in near-mine brownfields exploration and mining expansion for sustainability. As the founding executive director and chairman of Earthlab, he strikes a balance between leadership and technical skills.
Phillip Seokame
B.Sc. (Hons) Mining Geology – University of the Witwatersrand, B.Sc. Exploration Geochemistry – University of the Western Cape | Cand.Sci.Nat: 115983 | MGSSA: 967192
Phillip’s interest lies in the near-mine brownfields and mining expansion exploration with a particular focus on the rock engineering aspects. Since joining Earthlab in 2012, he has conducted geotechnical logging of the orientated core covering numerous Rock Mass Classifications including Barton’s Q-rating, Bieniawski’s Rock Mass Rating, and Laubscher’s Mining Rock Mass Rating.
Buyi Mkhwanazi
B.Sc. Geology – University of the KwaZulu-Natal
Buyi has consulted for various local and international PGM and Base Metals mining and exploration companies. She has been involved in the exploration of base metals in Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province of South Africa’s Northern Cape province.
Currently, Buyi is pursuing a specialisation in environmental management. Buyi believes that integrity, honesty, and transparency are crucial personal characteristics in creating goodwill with our clients.
Khumbula Mangena
B.Sc. Geology – University of Zimbabwe | Cert.Sci.Nat: 117645 | GSSA: 967258
Khumbula has relevant experience in exploration, surface and underground mining from involvement in various mineral projects. With over 22 years of experience, he is a self-motivated professional with a passion for success and results. His vast knowledge of exploration techniques, grade control and project management is key to ensuring success in any project.
He has a passion for knowledge sharing and acquiring new skills and techniques.
Tebogo Phokanoka
B.sc. (Hons) Geology – University of Johannesburg | Pr.Sci.Nat: 116024
Tebogo has accumulated over 15 years of experience, spanning geological roles in surface and underground mining, and greenfields exploration.
He’s results-driven and adept in problem-solving and geoscience knowledge, with industry insight in providing high-quality technical and strategic solutions. Tebogo contributed to underground and open-pit mining geology operations in base metals and PGMs, and also successfully executed a greenfield cobalt exploration project for Earthlab.
Deon van Wyk
B.Eng. Mining – University of Pretoria | Pr.Eng ECSA: 20130538
Deon has more than 15 years of experience in the mining industry with a strong focus on production and management due to his time employed in the platinum industry.
During his time as a mining consultant, he worked on multiple projects including technical mining studies, feasibility studies, pre-feasibility studies, scoping studies, due diligence reviews, competent person reports, reserve estimations, operational analysis, and company strategy documents. These projects were on underground and open-pit operations and included a variety of commodities such as platinum, gold, manganese, coal, and copper. Deon also spent six years in Zambia focussing on the project management and technical aspects of mining massive copper ore bodies.
Liesl Diesel
Liesl is passionate about the impact of leadership and employee engagement on business results. She’s a human resource generalist, learning and development consultant, conceptual thinker, problem solver, mentor, facilitator, and collaborator. She has both corporate and operational experience within financial services, manufacturing, mining and retail.