Aspiron Hangibayna Kussita

I am a Senior Applied Geologist and Mining Professional with over 20 years of experience bridging academic geoscience and practical mining operations. I currently serve as Chief Geologist, Executive, and Production Manager at FE Construction PLC, Burji Trading PLC, and Wezo Mining PLC, where I oversee mine planning, production optimization, and team supervision for open-pit mining operations. Concurrently, I have been a Lecturer at Arba Minch University for over 15 years, delivering courses in Engineering Geology, Rock Mechanics, Geohazards, Structural Analysis, and Environmental Impact Assessment.

My career is driven by a passion for applying geological expertise to solve complex operational challenges, enhance resource extraction, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance. I have successfully led multidisciplinary teams, managed large-scale projects, and implemented continuous improvement initiatives that increased productivity and reduced downtime.

Key Achievements:

• Led the Kurmuk Mine Project, an open-pit gold mining operation, managing geological and production aspects while ensuring full HSE compliance.

• Implemented optimized mine planning strategies, improving resource extraction efficiency.

• Conducted comprehensive geotechnical assessments to mitigate slope stability risks.

I hold a BSc in Applied Geology (Arba Minch University), an MSc in Earth Sciences (Petrology) (Addis Ababa University), and am currently pursuing a PhD in Structural Geology & Tectonics at Addis Ababa University.

I am proficient in industry-standard software including ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Surpac, Vulcan, and Opti-Blast. I am fluent in English and native in Amharic.

Beyond my professional work, I have been actively involved in academic leadership, serving as Class Representative and Vice President of the Geology Students' Association. I have presented research at the East African Geological Conference and published articles in peer-reviewed journals. I am also passionate about community engagement, having volunteered as a tutor and organized environmental awareness campaigns.

I am eager to bring my unique combination of academic rigor, hands-on mining experience, and executive leadership to a dynamic organization that values innovation, safety, and operational excellence.