1. Daniel Roger Atkinson
Email: d.r.atkinson2@hotmail.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile: uk.linkedin.com/pub/daniel-atkinson/60/4b2/b1b/
Mobile: +44 (0)7807 823 218. Skype: dan.atkinson279.
Profile:
A hard working and perceptive geologist with excellent experience of working on a greenstone hosted lode gold deposit
in francophone West Africa from grass roots through to the feasibility study drill out, backed by a strong academic
record. Adaptive, resilient and eager to get involved in new projects. Excelling in ore geology, with special expertise in
mineralised igneous suites, a diverse skill set and a keen interest in ore deposit geochemistry. Flexible in undertaking
new roles, experienced in remote area work and interested in fresh challenges in the mining sector.
Work History:
Exploration Geologist at Toro Gold Ltd, October 2011 – January 2015:
Based at Toro Gold’s flagship project, at Mako in Eastern Senegal. Working through exploration, resource estimation
and development, scoping study, pre-feasibility and the feasibility study drill out. Responsibilities included:
● DDH core logging; identifying and describing lithology, mineralisation, and structures, delineation of mineralised
zones, geotechnical logging, magnetic susceptibility logging, sampling for gold assay, metallurgical testing,
geotechnical tests and chemical analysis, QA/QC and managing work flow, individually or leading a team as required.
● Complete geological interpretation of a major sector of the key prospect, using geological maps, geophysics and DDH
logging. This included interpretation and extrapolation of mineralisation, determination of the factors controlling gold
distribution and all other features of the local geology, plus the implications for the deposits spatial and temporal
evolution. This required a range of complimentary techniques to achieve comprehensive, scientific understanding of the
geology, including cross sections, level plans, geological maps, stereonets and 3D modelling.
● Working on a feasibility study drill out designed to test the established geological and geostatistical resource model
and for grade control, allowing the model to be rigorously evaluated and modified where appropriate.
● Planning, monitoring and controlling diamond hole drilling using a combination of paper sections, cross section
software and mineralisation assay data as part of the geological team, and making decisions based on previous work.
● Coordinating day to day activities of a drilling rig, including deciding when to terminate holes, tracking core, site
preparation, rig moving and set up, directing drillers’ actions and working closely with the site drill supervisor.
● Working with senior staff including Regional Manager and Group Exploration Manager to develop comprehensive,
standardised protocols for all aspects of core management, logging, sampling and QA/QC.
● Working closely with external geotechnical consultants to develop geotechnical logging protocols for drill core on
site; implementing and administering strict geotechnical logging procedures for all DDH holes and managing the data.
● Part of a team responsible for a 5,500m RC grade control program designed to validate the resource model.
● Producing detailed geological maps of the main prospect, adjacent areas and potential drilling targets, as part of the
exploration program to extend the identified deposit. This enabled drilling program planning, improved definition of
mineralised zones and expanded understanding of specific local geology and mineralisation.
● Geological mapping of a new prospect to define drilling targets identified from geochemical and geophysical
anomalies in virgin ground, driving the prospect’s future development and paving the way for exploration drilling.
● Working with senior staff to plan and execute a RAB drilling program based on own mapping of this prospect;
supervised this RAB drill program including chip logging, sample preparation, rig set up and geological interpretation.
● Temporary site database manager, worked closely with the corporate data manager to meet all requirements.
● Statistical analysis of QA/QC data to determine quantitative measurements of accuracy and precision of gold assays.
● Working in a sensitive area, near to a UNESCO world heritage site, ensuring positive impact and mutual benefit.
● Engaging with local staff in an effective way, designed to overcome linguistic and cultural differences.

2. Key Achievements:
Comprehensively logged over 17,000 m of core, involved in the logging of the majority of 50,000 m of core. Developed
standardised system to setup rig. Helped create code data base, ensuring consistency when logging. Created reference
material to ensure all geologists recognise key lithologies, mineralisation and textures in core.
Working with another geologist, quickly created detailed geological maps of critical areas and interpreted the geology.
This allowed restructuring of the drill program, based on geological interpretation, increasing success rate. In addition
identified and defined a new mineralised zone hosted by a fresh host rock in an area previously overlooked, enabling
this target to be located and drilled when it would otherwise have been missed.
Honorary Midshipman at the Southampton University Royal Navel Unit, October 2007 – July 2010:
● Deployed aboard HMS Blazer on numerous occasions, to locations around the British Isles and the Baltic Sea, watch
leader, leading a team and supporting the ship’s Captain under challenging circumstances.
● Training and practical experience at sea in leadership, management, communication and operational planning.
Education
University of Southampton, October 2007 – July 2011. Master of Science in Geology (Integrated), 2.1:
Program included a major field work component, principally geological mapping of diverse and complex geological
terrains, in areas including Bulgaria, Spain and Tenerife. Masters dissertation involved analysis of chemical data, and
thin sections of core from the Kerguelen Plateau (in the Indian Ocean), and performing statistically robust chemical
change calculations. Specialised in subjects relevant to mineral resources and the mining industry.
Professional Development, On-going:
- Mining 101: Online Programme (August, 2014), EduMine/University of British Columbia:
Webcast outlining all aspects of the mining sector, the mine cycle, financial considerations and future developments.
- Geostatistics 101 - A Practical Introduction: Online Program (May, 2014), EduMine – Certified:
An outline of geostatistcs, basic principles and practical application of semi-variograms and geostatistical estimation.
Skills:
Technical Skills:
Highly skilled in the use of industry specific software including:
- GIS programs, especially MapInfo and Discover, for creating maps on site on a daily basis.
- Cross section programs, particularly Interdex, used to display, model and interpret drilling data.
- ioGAS chemical data analysis software, used for statistical analysis of assay data for QA/QC work.
- Leapfrog Geo modelling software, used for developing geological models and interpreting drill data.
Expert at working with DDH core and RC/RAB chippings, including diverse types of logging, sampling, management
and QA/QC. Experience of mineralised igneous and meta-igneous suites, also oceanic sedimentary cores.
Excellent communicator; well versed in using various techniques, channels and media to achieve clear and unambiguous
two way flow of information. Good at delivering well structured, clear and comprehensive reports.
Strong quantitative analytical skills; experience of using statistical analysis for QA/QC of assay and geochemical data.
Field Skills:
Highly experienced and intensively trained in field work, principally geological mapping, especially in areas containing
ore deposits, as well as specialised disciplines such as geotechnical wall rock mapping. Other skills include soil and
termite mound sampling, geo-magnetic surveying, drilling rig set up and bore hole water monitoring. Excellent navigator
using GPS or solely compass and map in any conditions; experience in Europe and West Africa.
Other attributes and qualifications:
● Full UK driving licence, clean driving record.
● Member of SEG, PDAC and Fellow of the Geological Society of London.
● First aid trained with special training related to remote areas and operating drilling sites.
● Working spoken French, learned in francophone West Africa, keen to develop this and learn other languages.
References:
Howard Bills,
Group Exploration Manager, Toro Gold Ltd.
Email: Howard.Bills@torogold.com
Dan Cocis,
Regional Manager, West Africa, Toro Gold Ltd.
Email: Dan.Cocis@torogold.com