Brendan Ferreira
Summary
Dynamic, results-driven Project and Operations Director with extensive international experience in managing complex exploration and mining projects from inception to large-scale production. Demonstrates adaptability to diverse operational environments, particularly in remote and challenging regions, alongside strong technical leadership, problem-solving skills, and expertise in team development. Recognized as a trusted advisor to CEOs and General Managers on significant development projects, effectively leading strategic planning and operational execution for investments up to $500 million. Committed to fostering high-performing teams while ensuring compliance with rigorous operational standards, HSE regulations, and stakeholder engagement throughout all project phases, with a strong focus on cost control and budget management.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Millennial Potash Corp. (TSXV: MLP | OTCQB: MLPNF | FSE: X0D)
03.2023 - Current
Chairman of the Board
Teia Aspera LDA
03.2022 - Current
Project Operations Logistics and Maintenance Management (Operations Leadership & Consultancy)
Thani Stratex Djibouti Limited
09.2019 - Current
- PROJECT Consultant for a privately owned international exploration and mining company with major development projects in Africa & Middle East. Leading strategic plans, multi-site operations, site construction, procurement (heavy machinery and equipment), resource allocation (budgets and technical teams) and project mobilisation for all early-phase exploration. Reporting directly to the CEO.
- TECHNICAL & OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP: Providing technical consultancy, expert guidance and problem-solving for a $multi-million mineral exploration project in Djibouti. Includes executive reporting, technical leadership oversight and operations management. Technical, engineering and operational oversight for two sites, including recruitment of Technical Consultants & Operations Teams.
- MULTI-SITE OPERATIONS & CAPABILITY: Built multi-site capability, in-country operations and workforce from zero to full operation, including construction of all buildings (offices, living accommodation, food catering and washrooms) and project development, feasibility and scalability. Also includes fleet (vehicles), repair / maintenance, heavy machinery / drilling equipment installations (leasing contracts), operational standards (SOPs), QMS systems, staff training and HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Regulations.
Project Operations Director (Project & Engineering Consultant)
Nouvelle Gabon Mining
01.2018 - 01.2019
- PROJECT MANAGER & ENGINEERING CONSULTANT: Senior-level accountability for a large $multi-million Exploration & Mining Project. Reported to the CEO & General Manager with board-level engagement on project strategy, resource planning, heavy equipment procurement, and technical skills expertise (recruitment).
- STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL PLANNING: Produced detailed strategic and operational plans. Wider stakeholder engagement with Government Bodies (Ministry of Mines), local authorities, and technical / engineering consultants on feasibility plans, procurement contracts, project mobilization, and building a second mine.
- PROJECT MOBILISATION: Mobilized 12-month project from zero to full operation, including land clearance, roads / infrastructure, construction phases, and heavy machinery / equipment installations. Leadership oversight for the construction of all on-site facilities, offices, accommodation, laboratories, wash plants, mine stores, workshops, weighbridge, and 300,000L bulk fuel storage. Led multi-disciplinary teams (300-400 people), including Project Managers and Technical & Engineering Consultants.
- PROJECT & OPERATIONAL DELIVERY: Managed procurement contracts, machine selection and maintenance schedules for heavy equipment from well-known global companies alongside HSE (Health, Safety & Environmental) best practices, safety at work policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), troubleshooting issues, budget controls and monthly management reporting (KPI performance).
Project, Logistics & Operations Management Consultant
Thani Stratex Resources
01.2017 - 01.2018
- SENIOR CONSULTANT: Developed a multi-project Procurement, Supply Chain & Logistics Strategy to ensure ongoing operational readiness and scalability for multiple projects each at different stages of operation, including mobilisation / advanced exploration, junior mining operation and advanced exploration / full operation.
- MULTI-SITE OPERATIONS STRATEGY: Worked closely CEO, Board & General Manager on multi-site strategy to support growing operations, investment financing and budget controls ready for next stage project development. Presented detailed business plans for procurement contracts, supplier negotiation, machine and equipment selection and shipping (supply chain and logistics operations).
- OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP: Managed procurement contracts and technical site operations. Led teams, resource planning, ordering lifecycles, supply chain operations, problem-solving (troubleshooting issues), mechanical workshops, store warehouses, monthly reporting, forecasting, expenses (controls) and staff training (up-skilling).
Solution Mining Engineering Consultant
Circum Minerals Potash
03.2016 - 07.2017
- PROJECT ENGINEER & TECHNICAL CONSULTANT: Managed early phase exploration, feasibility project and subsequent pilot well mining operations across several sites in Ethiopia. Led team on site construction and operational mobilisation, including solution wells, chemical field labs, evaporation ponds, inventory stores and camp facilities. Reported to CEO & General Manager. Built operational capability before handing over project to GM.
- STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL PLANNING: Led strategic, project and operational planning for all procurement (heavy equipment), local recruitment, workforce deployment, inventory controls and management reporting (progress updates and key issues). Obtained mining license, enforced operational standards (SOPs), trained local workforce, managed team of local and international Engineering Consultants, implemented 24/7 shift patterns and HSE regulations (health, safety and environment). Built strong local community and national government relations.
Project Engineering & Site Maintenance Consultant
Allana Potash Corp. (TSX: AAA) (OTCQX: ALLRF)
01.2011 - 01.2015
- PROJECT ENGINEERING & MAINTENANCE CONSULTANT for a $multi-million exploration project. Mobilised operations, developed project and completed pilot phase before subsequent sale to an international company. Project Management Team Member and led teams across 3 different project locations in Ethiopia.
- OPERATIONS & PROCUREMENT STRATEGY: Led procurement plans (heavy plant and vehicle fleet), site construction (roads, infrastructure, offices and camp facilities), operational set-up of engineering workshops (mechanical, electrical and welding), maintenance stores, equipment installations and staff technical training needs. Obtained mining licence, mobilised teams, developed projects and controlled resource allocation, including management reporting, annual budgets, forecasts, inventory and expenses.
- ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: Led day-to-day engineering, maintenance and technical operations supporting 300-400 employees. Adhered to strict maintenance schedules, technical data, inspection procedures and documentation alongside compliance for bulk fuel storage, hazardous materials, potash mining solutions, evaporation ponds and enforcing operational standards (SOPs).
Site Maintenance Manager (Site & Facilities Inspections)
Ardan Risk & Support Services Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2012
- SITE MAINTENANCE CONSULTANT for a risk and support services company. Managed technical and operational review to stabilise project, recommend improvements and implement maintenance procedures. Reported to the MD & Project General Manager responsible for exploration and mining operations in Kenya.
- SITE INSPECTIONS & OPERATIONS: Conducted site inspections to implement effective controls for operational procedures (SOPs), facilities management, maintenance best practice processes (job orders, inventory parts, schedules, activity logs and budgets), staff training (mechanics), contractor / supplier relationships and compliance with health & safety policies.
Director Founder
Khrua Thai Restaurant
06.2009 - 08.2011
- Authentic Thai cuisine, Restaurant and conference facility, Private catering, Team building and event hosting.
Executive Managing Director (Mechanical Engineering Company)
Specialised Panel Beaters PTY LTD
01.2000 - 01.2011
- MANAGING DIRECTOR & FOUNDER: Built a reputable multi-site business with 100 employees specialising in automotive mechanical services and body repairs for cars and commercial vehicles / trucks. Managed services contracts for private car owners and large fleet maintenance contracts for commercial clients with over 200 vehicles. VW Approved Partner and built strong relationships with local and international suppliers.
Petrol and Diesel Mechanic
GOLD FIELDS
03.1996 - 01.2000
- 3-Year Apprentice Diesel Mechanic Programme (Underground Mining)
- Red Seal Heavy Duty diesel mechanic on Goldfields Mine. Maintaining mine equipment and vehicles, Surface and under ground,Hydraulics, Conveyor belts, Mills.
Education
AMD Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Institute of Technology
01.2020
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology
Carletonville Technical College
Advanced Business Management Diploma - undefined
MANCOSA
Skills
- Effective performance under pressure
- Operational efficiency management
- Long-term strategic planning
- Team-based problem resolution
- Team-oriented leadership
- Effective communication
- Work under pressure
- Diversity initiatives
- Analytical problem solving
Websites
Affiliations
- Member, Project Management Institute
- Member, Institute of Mechanical Engineers
- Member, Mining Research Institute
- Project Management (CAPM)
- Lean Six Sigma (Black & Green Belt)
- PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner
- SCRUM MASTER (Agile)
- Fire, Health & Safety Management
Certification
- First Aid - Institute of emergency first aiders
- Fire Fighting - Institute of emergency first aiders
- Air Brake Systems - James Park Learning Centre
- Auto Electrical Systems - James Park Learning Centre
- Hydraulics - James Park Learning Centre
- Transmissions - James Park Learning Centre
- Steering Systems - James Park Learning Centre
- Wheel Alignment - Automotive Equipment International
- Operations management - University of Cape Town
- General International Health and Safety Issued 2015 - Expires 2017
- Data Science Machine Learning - OfCourse (acquired)
- Scrum Agile Master Certified - e-learning
- Microsoft Acces VBA - Reed Skills Succes
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) - EDUCBA
- Certified Scrum Mater - CAREER MATCH TRAINING LTD
- PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification Training - CAREER MATCH TRAINING LTD
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - CAREER MATCH TRAINING LTD
- Six Sigma Master Black Belt - CAREER MATCH TRAINING LTD
- Red Seal Diesel Mechanic - Mining Industry Engineering Trades Training Board
- Accounting Fundamentals - Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) 32893744
- Reading Financial Statements - Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) 32990630
- Excel Crash Course - Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) 33147969
- Introduction to Corporate Finance - Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) 33398273
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Elementary (A2)
Arabic
Elementary (A2)
Portuguese
Upper intermediate (B2)
Chinese (Cantonese)
Elementary (A2)
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced Diploma, Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Advanced Management
- Operations Management Certificate
- Diesel Mechanic (Red Seal Section 13)
- 3-Year Apprenticeship (Oil Fields & Mining)
Hobbies
Travelling to learn about different cultures and history. Reading books and white papers on mining, logistics, maintenance optimization. keeping up date with relevant Industry 4 and web 3. Short courses foe personal skills development. Assist with NA, Red Cross work.
Timeline
Operations Manager
Millennial Potash Corp. (TSXV: MLP | OTCQB: MLPNF | FSE: X0D)
03.2023 - Current
Chairman of the Board
Teia Aspera LDA
03.2022 - Current
Project Operations Logistics and Maintenance Management (Operations Leadership & Consultancy)
Thani Stratex Djibouti Limited
09.2019 - Current
Project Operations Director (Project & Engineering Consultant)
Nouvelle Gabon Mining
01.2018 - 01.2019
Project, Logistics & Operations Management Consultant
Thani Stratex Resources
01.2017 - 01.2018
Solution Mining Engineering Consultant
Circum Minerals Potash
03.2016 - 07.2017
Project Engineering & Site Maintenance Consultant
Allana Potash Corp. (TSX: AAA) (OTCQX: ALLRF)
01.2011 - 01.2015
Site Maintenance Manager (Site & Facilities Inspections)
Ardan Risk & Support Services Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2012
Director Founder
Khrua Thai Restaurant
06.2009 - 08.2011
Executive Managing Director (Mechanical Engineering Company)
Specialised Panel Beaters PTY LTD
01.2000 - 01.2011
Petrol and Diesel Mechanic
GOLD FIELDS
03.1996 - 01.2000
Advanced Business Management Diploma - undefined
MANCOSA
AMD Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Institute of Technology
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology
Carletonville Technical College
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