Jamie Oppelaar's Journey in Lithium Deposits as a Geology Consultant

We had the privilege of chatting with Jamie Oppelaar, a prominent figure in the field of geology consulting who specialises in a geometallurgy (GeoMet) approach to lithium bearing pegmatites. 

In our conversation, Jamie shares insights into her career journey, recent academic accomplishments, and the fascinating intersection of geology and metallurgy, particularly in critical minerals such as lithium.

The transition to consultancy marked a pivotal moment for Jamie, bringing forth a range of roles and responsibilities she had not encountered in her previous industry roles as a geologist. She shares, "Working with Mining Plus was my first consulting role. Prior to that, I was working in industry within the private sector of gold mining." The move to Mining Plus, a global mining consulting company, introduced her to a diverse array of technical spheres within the geology department and beyond.

However, her specialisation in lithium was not a predetermined career move. Jamie describes her entry into this specialised area as a "happy accident." This unexpected turn occurred when she started working with Mining Plus, and encountered an existing lithium-based client. Jamie initially contributed to the project and, over time, found herself taking a more significant role. "As more work came in as the lithium space increased in demand, I just found myself taking on more and more opportunities in that space," she explains.

Jamie's journey into lithium didn't stop at project involvement. Her curiosity and dedication to research led her to delve deeper into the complexities of lithium deposits. "I started learning a little bit here and there, and continued to develop my knowledge in that space," she states. Her extensive research efforts culminated into writing a paper that addressed critical gaps in the understanding of lithium deposits.

This commitment to bridging the gap between industry and academia was further evidenced when Jamie presented her paper “Lithium Pegmatites: A GeoMetallurgical Approach” at AusIMM's Critical Minerals Conference in 2023. Her talk addressed critical issues faced by major mining companies, fostering a conversation that many were hesitant to engage in openly.  The conference served as a platform for her to share insights on her GeoMet model for lithium deposits.

This achievement not only established her as a thought leader in the critical minerals space but was also a personal milestone for Jamie. Reflecting on her 12-year career, Jamie recalled her early years as a graduate studying in Queensland and her move to Perth for her first role in 2012. She attended an AusIMM conference and felt great admiration for the presenters. 'I just remember thinking the people that were presenting were absolutely incredible—so knowledgeable. I was in awe of them. I never thought that I would ever present at a conference like that.' Following her presentation at the Critical Minerals Conference, Jamie shared, 'Sitting there at the convention centre, I was back in that space, reflecting on the past 12 years of my career,' she noted. The experience highlighted the importance of shattering self-imposed ceilings and embracing unexpected opportunities.

Within the geology team at Mining Plus, Jamie's role extends beyond traditional consulting. Her responsibilities cover a spectrum of tasks, showcasing the versatility demanded in her consulting position. She elaborates, "In terms of what we do in the geology team; we do everything from supporting exploration initiatives and assisting in planning, drilling and targeting for resource expansion, to running mineral resource estimates and creating block models that the engineering team then utilise to design a mine."

For aspiring women looking to venture into the world of geological consulting, Jamie wants to break down stereotypes. She acknowledges that there is often a misconception about one's capabilities, saying, "I was always really terrified. I thought I can't be a consultant. I'm not good enough to do that, and it's absolutely not the case." Jamie encourages women not to underestimate themselves and emphasises the need to break through self-imposed barriers.

In terms of skills development, Jamie highlights the importance of resource estimation as a foundational skill for geological consulting. "You’ve also got to be open to learning new things quickly. You need to be flexible and open minded to take on the variety of work that comes your way," she advises. Emphasising a broad skill set, she suggests, "Drill hole design, data interpretation, resource estimation, and reconciliation, there's always plenty to do."

To support aspiring women in acquiring the necessary skills for consulting roles, Jamie points to resources and short courses like AusIMM's Cost Estimation for the Resource's Industry, which can serve as a valuable educational pathway.

Jamie's story not only highlights the possibilities within the dynamic field of geological and metallurgical consulting but also serves as an inspiration for women to overcome doubts, embrace opportunities, and navigate the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the mining industry.

Mining Plus are affliated with the Byrnecut Group, a Major Partner for AusIMM's International Women's Day Event Series. For more inspiring stories like Jamie's, follow AusIMM on social media using the hashtag #CelebratingWomeninMining or catch up via our latest news!