Nico Viljoen

About Nico Viljoen

Nico Viljoen is currently the Chief Geotechnical Engineer for Freeport-McMoRaN supporting the Grasberg (PTFI) Operation. He graduated with a Bachelor\'s Degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Pretoria before commencing his career as a mining engineering graduate at Anglo Platinum. Early development included the graduate training program with a focus on underground geotechnical engineering. The career development program provided exposure at various Anglo Platinum mines utilizing a variety of mining methods in different geotechnical settings. He was appointed as Shaft Rock Engineer after obtaining a Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanics Certificate (Hard Rock Underground). In 2010 he decided to pursue a career change and joined SRK Consulting in Johannesburg (20••••13) and worked on projects across Africa. A transfer to the Canadian offices (20••••21) broadened the exposure to projects throughout North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and South-East Asia. Work as a mining and geotechnical engineering consultant included scoping to feasibility studies, due diligence audits, M&A reviews, and operation support. Contribution is mostly focused on the geotechnical engineering aspects while involving mining engineering. The projects covered a variety of mining methods and commodities focusing on gold, copper, rare earth minerals, PGE, copper, lead, and zinc. In 2022 Nico joined Evolution Mining as the Principal Geotechnical Engineer for the Canadian operation. In this role, Nico focused on longer-term planning and best practice. A strong technical and project management background enables him to promote technically sound and practical solutions while collaborating with various stakeholders. The role is focused on relationship building, operational improvement, and implementation of mutually beneficial and sustainable solutions while managing the overall geotechnical risk.Nico is currently part of the Strategic Planning team, he is supporting the Indonesian subsidiary (PTFI) from Phoenix, Arizona. PTFI operates the Grasberg operation which is one of the largest underground mining complexes. The Strategic Planning group is involved with the short to long-term planning and provides technical inputs to various aspects of the operation. The role requires a close relationship with various internal and external stakeholders.

Experience

1. Chief Underground Geomechanical Engineer

   Freeport-McMoRan

   Feb 2023 — Present · Phoenix, AZ, US

   Nico is part of the Strategic Planning team supporting the Indonesian subsidiary (PTFI) from Phoenix, Arizona. PTFI operates the Grasberg operation, located on the island of Papua, which is one of the largest underground mining complexes. The group is involved with the short to long-term planning and strategic aspects of the Grasberg operation. Nico\'s role includes: • Review and provide input to underground design which includes stability assessments, sequencing, and ground support requirements.• Plan, manage, and contribute to Geotechnical Studies. This includes contributing to multidisciplinary studies.• Work with external consultants to undertake specialized scopes of work.• Ongoing interaction with the site-based personnel to provide guidance, technical input, and process improvement.• Review and evaluate ground support designs and long terms strategies. • Working with various groups and departments to develop and implement new procedures.• Mentoring and providing technical guidance to the geotechnical team

Education

• University of Pretoria

  Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Mining

  2002 — 2006

Skills

• Rock Mechanics
• Slope Stability
• Engineering
• Gold
• Geology
• Mining
• Underground Mining
• Operational Support
• Minerals
• Base Metals
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Feasibility Studies
• Mineral Exploration