Longonjo Team
Facilitating a greener energy future
Kevin Botha
Project Director
Kevin is a qualified Electrical Engineer and Project Management Professional with over 45 years’ experience in the global mining industry. He has worked for blue-chip international companies and as a Director and Owner of companies providing engineering and project management services to the sector.
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Kevin’s global experience includes multibillion-dollar projects and related portfolios.
Jeremy Clarke
Project Sponsor
Having trained with Anglo American, Jeremy has 20 years of experience in gold, uranium, copper, and diamonds. He was previously Consulting Metallurgist for De Beers where he was responsible for metallurgical excellence at their plants globally.
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He left De Beers to start his own mining companies and successfully started four new ventures in the gold, diamonds, copper and emerald industries which were all subsequently listed on the TSE and AIM exchanges between 1997 and 2003 raising over US$100m in investment. During that time he acted as President, CEO, and Director on the Boards of these various companies. In 1999 Jeremy founded Metcon, a metallurgical consulting business that concentrated mainly in the diamond mining arena and eventually merged with Paradigm Project Management (Pty) Ltd (PPM) in 2008. Jeremy is now the Director and owner of PPM which has celebrated 14 years of project management in the southern Africa mining sphere. It has completed over 200 projects in that time, in 21 countries covering 21 commodities, and ranging in value from R2 million to R450 million.
Alcídio José
Chair of Ozango Board
Alcídio has been the Chair of the Board of Directors of Ozango Minerais SA (Ozango) since 2021. Ozango is subsidiary company of Fundo Soberano de Angola (FSDEA) that is developing the Longonjo Rare Earth Refinery Project in Longonjo, Huambo.
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Alcídio is also the Head of Strategy and Business Development at FSDEA, where he advises the Board of Directors on Strategy and Governance matters. He joined FSDEA in 2014, having worked, prior to that, as a Project Manager at the service of the Industrial Development Institute of Angola, a Ministry of Industry division.
He has a Telecom Engineering background and holds an Executive Master on Financial Investments by Bocconi School of Management in Milan.
Richard Dewhirst
Process Lead
Since graduating in Metallurgy with Mining from Nottingham University, Richard’s long career in the mining industry has seen him work around the globe for major mining companies such as Anglo American, de Beers, BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale as well as a number of engineering companies including Fluor, Jacobs, Ausenco, SKM, SMEC and Behre Dolbear.
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He has been based in Australia for the past 25 years, and previously spent 12 years in Africa and an equal time in Europe. A period outside mining for Pilkington in Corporate Planning following his full-time MBA at London Business School gave him exposure to financial modelling and strategic planning across an international group. For the past two decades he has managed, and consulted on, numerous studies covering a wide range of commodities. A former Chair of the Perth AusIMM Branch, he wrote the first Chapter of the AusIMM “Cost Estimation Handbook, 2nd Edition” drawing on his passion for developing Feasibility Studies. At Pensana, he has supported the metallurgical flowsheet development and helped push Value Engineering initiatives and Capital Cost interrogation on their behalf with their engineer, Wood.
Miguel DOS SANTOS
Metalurgical Manager
Miguel is a ECSA registered Chemical Engineer with 25 years’ experience in the chemical, mining and minerals, and energy industries. After starting his career within the Unilever group in the late 1990’s, he spent the first 10 years in various senior operational management and project roles.
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During this time he also successfully completed his MENG (Engineering Management). Miguel then transitioned into mining and minerals with a focus on projects, studies and business development and has worked for several leading multinational engineering and OEM companies at a senior level. His commodity experience includes chrome, coal, copper, diamonds, gold, iron ore, lead, manganese, mineral sands, silica and rare earths. Process exposure includes both hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, sulphuric acid production, solvent extraction, and water treatment. Miguel has also been involved in the energy sector with particular focus on battery energy storage systems. Miguel currently leads the Logistics and Operational Readiness workstreams for the Pensana Longonjo project. He also supports the Project Director with day-to-day project related matters.
Geraldine Tchimbali Máquina
Country Manager
Geraldine has degree in geology from the University of St Andrews in the United Kingdom and a master’s in business management from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.
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Geraldine joined Ozango as a junior geologist for Coola Mining LDA in 2021 and was subsequently promoted to site services manager for the Longonjo Rare Earths Refinery Project in 2022. In 2024, Geraldine was further promoted to a country manager for Ozango.
Geraldine focuses on developing and retaining long-term external partnerships, representing the company, working closely with senior management, and leading the implementation of processes, policies, and practices to maximize operational efficiency.
Geraldine volunteered as Treasurer for the Angolan Women Association of United Kingdom (AMAS) from 2015 to 2019.
BENEDITO DUMBO
SITE MANAGER
Benedito has recently been appointed as Longonjo Site Manager. For the past three years his responsibilities ranged from monitoring project workstreams on site, maintaining safety protocols, sampling, monitoring, controlling, and ensuring quality and site procedures.
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Benedito has been involved in assisting and coordinating various geotechnical investigations, core sampling and logging inclusive of drill planning and supervision, water sampling and stream flow measurements for the Hydrogeology Programme. He has also been involved in the Radiation Monitoring programme, Resettlement Action Plan including the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. Benedito has a degree in Mining Engineering, from Camborne School of Mines of University of Exeter (United Kingdom).
David Whitehouse
Engineering Manager
David holds an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Leeds University and leverages almost 50 years of experience in multi-disciplinary projects for the mining, mineral processing, power generation, nuclear, chemical, petrochemical and water transport industries, mostly in Africa.
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In his career, David has worked for both major EPCM contracting companies, such as the Nuclear Power Company (UK), EMS (a Murray & Roberts group company) and Bateman BV, and, for the past twenty-two years, for mining companies, including BHP Billiton (base metals), De Beers (diamonds) and Noventa/HAMC (tantalum).
Before joining the Project Delivery Team, David was the Senior Engineering Manager for De Beers’ Venetia Underground Project, a capital investment of approximately US$2 billion.
MAGÚ ADRIANO
SOCIAL AND LIVELIHOODS MANAGER
Magú works on developing and implementing procedures for establishing and maintaining the social licence to operate and ensuring that policies and procedures comply with Angolan laws.
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He has 15 years’ of international experience working in a managerial position in sustainability and community relations at gemstone, graphite, coal and Oil & Gas projects. Magú has a degree in geography and an international professional training in land acquisition and resettlement management from the University of Nairobi in partnership with the World Bank.
LISKA CRONJE
OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE & HSE SPECIALIST
Liska has over 23 years of expertise spanning Ventilation, Occupational Hygiene, Health, Environmental, Risk Management, and Safety within mining and industrial domains. As the founder and director of Ventgiene CC, she exhibits remarkable leadership, steering ventures towards operational excellence.
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Liska’s dedication to enhancing industry standards is evident through her extensive tenure on the MVSSA Collieries Branch Committee. Her affiliation with the South African Collieries Environmental, Safety, and Health Association, coupled with being an accredited Registered Occupational Hygienist with SAIOH, underscores her commitment to fostering industry dialogue and best practices.
Jorge Salvador Nunes
Power & Utilities Advisor
After completion of an Industrial and Engineering degree in 2001, he worked in Deloitte in the consulting division. In 2011 he started Greentech, an Angolan Energy development company.
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From 2013 to 2016 he was involved in large power rental contracts based on diesel generators and dual fuel turbines, assuming a responsibility for more than 10% of total electricity supply in Luanda. Quilemba SolarPv Project is a major milestone where Greentech is currently alongside Totalenergies and Sonangol one of the shareholders. With Pensana and Ozango Minerais he is involved in the setup of the electricity supply solutions, mainly SolarPV and 220KV High voltage line, covering all key aspects from electricity price, project design, construction and operation.
DANIEL COMBOIO
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Daniel has over 20+ years in Logistics and Supply Chain in the Angolan market with a focus on international trade and end to end Logistics. Daniel has been involved in several management roles in this area with particular focus on the Oil & Gas Industry, having worked with International companies such as DHL Global Forwarding, CEVA Logistics, SBM offshore and SLB Group. Daniel is well acquainted with FCPA and related International anti bribery policies.
LUIGI BRUNI
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Luigi is a multifaceted Project and Construction Manager with over thirty-years of heavy industry experience gained through tenures with large players in the mining, energy and mineral processing sectors. Luigi has been involved with projects across various countries including Angola, DRC, Kenya, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. Luigi completed a National Trade Certificate on the mines in South Africa and has advanced technical knowledge surrounding earthworks, civil, SMPP, electrical and instrumentation.
Henda GUIMARÃES
Environment Coordinator
After completion of an Industrial and Engineering degree in 2001, he worked in Deloitte in the consulting division. In 2011 he started Greentech, an Angolan Energy development company.
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From 2013 to 2016 he was involved in large power rental contracts based on diesel generators and dual fuel turbines, assuming a responsibility for more than 10% of total electricity supply in Luanda. Quilemba SolarPv Project is a major milestone where Greentech is currently alongside Totalenergies and Sonangol one of the shareholders. With Pensana and Ozango Minerais he is involved in the setup of the electricity supply solutions, mainly SolarPV and 220KV High voltage line, covering all key aspects from electricity price, project design, construction and operation.
Neil Selby
Control & Instrumentation Engineer
Neil is an Owners Team Representative responsible for ensuring project standards are maintained to bring the project to a successful conclusion.
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C&I specialist and Project Management Professional with more than 40 year’s experience in the fields of measurement, control systems, data communications, production management and information systems.
Neil started his career at Consolidated Diamond Mines in Namibia before moving to Eskom on the Kendal Power Station project. A brief stint at Control Logic (Conlog) followed before moving to the De Beers Venetia Mine project in 1990. He was appointed C&I Engineer in the projects section in 2004 responsible for all C&I related aspects of the projects until 2017 when he left to open his own company.
Bridgette Botha
Cost Control Manager
With a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, the exposure of 7+ years of experience across a wide variety of projects enabled a transition into a broader spectrum of project opportunities.
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The extensive exposure end involvement in generation of Bills of Quantities, Procurement, Costing, Tender Processes, Budget Management, Cost Control, Financial Reconciliation and Project Management from initiation through to closure, ignited an interest in the financial and cost orientated aspects of a project. The natural progression into a more cost orientated direction led to the current role of Cost Control Manager covering budget coordination, development and management, payment reconciliation and cost allocations and control.
DAVID REES
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER
A professional civil engineer who has had extensive experience in mainstream heavy engineering, mining, commercial and housing projects. He has worked for consultants, contractors, project managers and as owners representatives, as well as in his own companies at director level.
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With extensive training in project management, Jean brings expertise in project management methodologies, tools, and software. Jean fosters effective communication and collaboration within teams, proactively mitigating risks and improving resource allocation. With a strategic mindset and keen attention to detail, Jean consistently drives project success, optimizing efficiency, profitability, satisfaction beyond expectations.
JEAN MOUTON
PROJECT CONTROLS MANAGER
With over 13 years of experience in projects Jean specializes in synchronizing time, cost, and quality throughout project lifecycles. As a Project Controls Manager he ensures meticulous planning, monitoring, and control to guarantee adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
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With extensive training in project management, Jean brings expertise in project management methodologies, tools, and software. Jean fosters effective communication and collaboration within teams, proactively mitigating risks and improving resource allocation. With a strategic mindset and keen attention to detail, Jean consistently drives project success, optimizing efficiency, profitability, satisfaction beyond expectations.
Antonio Kavita
Site Public Relations
Antonio has a degree in Finance and Accounting from the Instituto Superior e Politécnico Sol Nascente do Huambo. Antonio has more than ten years experience working for Ozango, starting as a driver and later becoming the company community Liaison officer.
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Antonio is involved with maintaining a good relationship with the communities, project affect people (PAPs) and villages (sobas) . Antonio is also responsible for coordinating and monitoring of the demonstration plots, transitional support for PAPS as well as registering and resolving all complaints or grievances.
Herivelton Miguel
Accountant
Herivelton is qualified Accountant, certified by the Order of Accountants and Expert Accountants of Angola (OCPCA) for 8 years. He leverages 15 years of extensive experience in administrative and financial management in automotive, construction and condominium management industries. Herivelton is appointed as the accountant and financial officer for the Longonjo Rare Earth Refinery project in Angola.
Dave Porter
Bulk Power Infrastructure
Since graduating with a B.Sc. Electrical Engineering (Cum Laude) in 1981, Dave has managed portfolios of mining projects throughout Africa and has directed project delivery for mining clients in various commodity sectors including rare earth metals, diamonds, gold, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt and zinc.
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During his career he has had operations experience on various mines at section engineer, divisional engineer and engineering manager level. He is a Registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with the Engineering Council of South Africa , an Accredited Project Management Professional (PMP) with Project Management Institute and a fellow of the South African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy. Dave oversees and is responsible for Bulk Power Supply at Pensana -Longonjo project.
Joao Mambo
HSE Coordinator
Joao holds Engineering degree in Safety Process Technology and Production from Belgorod State Technological University in Russia. Joao’s long career in the oil & Gas, consulting services, internal and external audit in quality, health and safety (QHSE), has seen him work around Angola and Russia for major Oil & Gas and Consulting companies such as SGS Morroccos, Petromar Lda, Applus Velosi, as well as several engineering companies including Knight Cross Company Nigeria. Joao is responsible for coordinating various HSE Projects initiatives and procedures for the Longonjo Rare Earth Refinery Project.
Ovídio Santana
Regional Public Relations
Ovídio Santana has been involved in the Longonjo Rare Earth Refinery Project since 2005, offering his exceptional public relations skills through his strategic communication initiatives. Ovídio has been responsible for promoting and maintaining good and sustainable relations with traditional authorities, the police, and the general public.
JUSTIN DU TOIT
RAP CONSULTANT
Justin du Toit is the Managing Director of Vuna Agribusiness, a consultancy specialising in agricultural development and livelihood restoration.
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He has contributed to and managed over 200 large and small-scale agricultural feasibility, sustainable development, spatial planning, and livelihood restoration projects since 2009, in various countries across the African continent. These projects have helped him refine his skills as a project and people manager of complex projects. Justin is an Agricultural Economist by profession and uses his strategic and critical thinking to develop client and community-focused solutions.