Practical Mining Expertise Delivered Through Consulting and Training
DEKA Dynamics brings together an international network of experienced mining professionals and Subject Matter Experts who support the global mining industry through specialist consulting, technical problem-solving, and practical training. Our team combines decades of operational experience with deep technical expertise, enabling us to provide solutions that address real challenges across the mining value chain.
Our training programmes are designed to develop the practical expertise required by today’s mining professionals. By combining fundamental theory with real-world mining experience, case studies, and industry examples, our courses create a powerful connection between understanding concepts and applying them effectively in operational environments.
However, DEKA Dynamics’ capability extends beyond training. Our consultants work with mining organisations to review technical workflows, identify improvement opportunities, solve operational challenges, and support better decision-making. Whether assisting with geological modelling, Mineral Resource estimation, mine planning, geotechnical engineering, mining technology, or operational improvement initiatives, our team provides practical solutions based on extensive industry experience.
The strength of DEKA Dynamics lies in the combination of consulting expertise and knowledge transfer. Our Subject Matter Experts do not simply teach concepts—they share lessons learned from applying those principles in real mining environments. This ensures that delegates and clients gain not only technical knowledge, but also the confidence and capability to implement effective solutions.
Through consulting, training, and continuous professional development, DEKA Dynamics helps individuals and organisations strengthen technical capability, improve performance, and meet the evolving challenges of modern mining.
Dennis Kattowitz is the founder of DEKA Dynamics and a mining consultant, educator, and technical services specialist with more than 40 years of international mining experience. His career has combined operational mining expertise, technical leadership, and professional development, helping mining organisations strengthen capability, improve workflows, and implement industry best practice.
Dennis gained extensive experience with Anglo operations across gold and coal mining environments, developing expertise in mine sampling, assaying, in-situ valuation, Mineral Resource estimation, mine surveying, and short-, medium-, and long-term mine planning. He was closely involved in Anglo’s introduction of the Mineral Resource Manager concept, supporting the integration of geological, surveying, and planning disciplines into modern mining practice.
A significant achievement during his career was the creation of a Technical Services Department (TSD) within AngloGold, integrating sampling, geology, surveying, and environmental functions to improve efficiency and technical support within deep-level underground operations. As Training Superintendent, Dennis was responsible for technical training initiatives across Anglo’s gold, platinum, coal, and diamond operations and contributed to the development of Chamber of Mines examination materials in mine sampling and surveying.
In 2014, Dennis established DEKA Dynamics with the vision of creating an international training and consulting organisation supported by recognised Subject Matter Experts. Today, DEKA delivers bespoke technical training and consulting services globally, supporting geologists, engineers, and management teams across the mining industry.
Dennis remains focused on developing mining capability by combining practical operational experience with innovative education and consulting solutions that help organisations make better technical decisions.
www.linkedin.com/in/denniskattowitz
Mining Consultant | Technical Leader | Operational Improvement Specialist
Fred Chitonga is an experienced earth scientist and mining consultant with more than 20 years of international experience spanning exploration, mining operations, consulting, and technical leadership. His expertise includes Mineral Resource evaluation, orebody knowledge, reconciliation, quality assurance, geological modelling, and operational improvement across both open pit and underground mining environments.
Fred has held senior management and technical leadership roles with major mining companies and consulting organisations, developing extensive experience in project management, business improvement, change management, and multidisciplinary team leadership. His practical approach enables him to identify technical and operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions that improve performance and reduce risk.
Throughout his career, Fred has contributed to exploration strategy, geological modelling, resource evaluation, and operational optimisation across Africa. His achievements include improving exploration workflows, consolidating geological datasets, supporting feasibility studies, reducing project costs, and enhancing production outcomes through improved technical processes.
Fred holds a Master of Business Leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Zimbabwe. He is a registered member of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and SACNASP, and is a certified project and change management practitioner.
As Regional General Manager for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia with DEKA Dynamics, Fred combines technical expertise, strategic leadership, and operational insight to deliver consulting and training solutions that strengthen mining capability and support improved business outcomes.
Chartered Professional Geologist | Mineral Resource Specialist
Fernando Linares Quiroa is a Chartered Professional Geologist (MAusIMM CP(Geo)) and internationally recognised Mineral Resource specialist with more than 40 years of experience in mineral exploration, geological modelling, resource estimation, and technical consulting.
For more than 25 years, Fernando has specialised in Mineral Resource evaluation and reporting, working across underground and open pit operations, exploration programmes, and mining development studies throughout Latin America and Canada. His experience covers a diverse range of deposit styles including porphyry copper-gold, copper-molybdenum, epithermal, mesothermal, skarn, VMS, and MVT systems.
Fernando has held senior geological and consulting positions with organisations including Glencore, Gold Fields, AMEC, TWP Sudamérica, and LINAMEC SAC. He currently serves as Regional General Manager for Latin America with DEKA Dynamics, supporting consulting and training activities throughout Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking mining regions.
His technical expertise includes geological interpretation, three-dimensional geological modelling, Mineral Resource estimation, geostatistics, QA/QC programme implementation, database management, grade control, reconciliation, and public reporting in accordance with JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC, and other international standards.
Fernando was part of the discovery team responsible for the El Galeno copper-gold porphyry deposit in Peru and has authored or co-authored numerous technical reports, due diligence studies, preliminary economic assessments, feasibility studies, and mineral property valuations.
As a consultant and trainer with DEKA Dynamics, Fernando combines operational experience, technical leadership, and multilingual capability to help mining organisations improve geological confidence, reporting compliance, and project value.
Hettie has been with the company from the start. For many years she worked for a Tier 1 mining company in South Africa before emigrating to Australia. Hettie has had been exposed to the mining industry for over 30 years and has enjoyed the challenge of organising training events.
Mineral Resource Specialist | Qualified/Competent Person | Technical Consultant
Kathleen Body is an internationally recognised Mineral Resource specialist and consulting geologist with more than 30 years of experience in mineral exploration, resource evaluation, technical reviews, and public reporting across a wide range of commodities and mining jurisdictions.
Kathleen’s career has focused on the complete Mineral Resource lifecycle, from early-stage exploration and geological interpretation through to operational mine support, resource estimation, grade control, and the evaluation of reprocessing opportunities involving historical waste materials. Her expertise includes sampling theory, QA/QC systems, geostatistics, resource classification, technical due diligence, and the application of internationally recognised reporting standards.
She has worked extensively with mining companies and consulting organisations, providing technical leadership and independent advisory services for exploration projects, operating mines, and development studies. Kathleen is recognised as a Qualified/Competent Person under internationally accepted reporting codes and has contributed to numerous technical reports, resource evaluations, and public disclosures.
As a consultant and trainer with DEKA Dynamics, Kathleen brings exceptional technical depth and practical industry experience to help mining organisations improve resource confidence, strengthen technical governance, and apply best-practice methodologies throughout the mining value chain.
Mining Engineer | Consultant | Educator
Prof. Steven Rupprecht is a distinguished mining engineer, consultant, educator, and industry leader with nearly 40 years of international experience across mining operations, consulting, research, project development, and higher education.
Since completing his Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering in 1986, Steven has progressed through technical and management roles within the mining industry, gaining extensive experience across gold, coal, and other commodities before achieving Technical Director level. His career combines operational knowledge with strategic leadership, providing deep insight into mine development, optimisation, and project execution.
Steven has contributed to numerous feasibility and pre-feasibility studies, independent technical reviews, project management assignments, and Competent Person reports for mining companies internationally. He has also served as a Research Area Manager with South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), leading applied research initiatives focused on advancing mining technology and operational performance.
An Adjunct Professor at the University of Johannesburg, Steven is passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of mining engineers. He is also a Council Member of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), contributing to the advancement of professional standards within the industry.
As a consultant and trainer with DEKA Dynamics, Steven combines practical mining experience, technical expertise, and academic knowledge to deliver executive-level training and consulting solutions that support improved project outcomes and sustainable mining practices.
Mining Consultant | Mathematical Modelling Specialist | Software Developer
Dr Stephen Rayward is a scientist, mathematician, engineer, software developer, and mining consultant with more than 40 years of international experience applying advanced mathematical modelling, computational methods, and engineering principles to solve complex challenges across the mining and mineral processing industries.
Stephen holds a PhD in Mineral Processing Engineering and was a Senior Research Fellow at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), where his work focused on mineralogical analysis, mass balancing, process simulation, geometallurgy, and the development of analytical methodologies for improving mineral processing performance. Software and algorithms developed by Stephen continue to be successfully applied by mining companies in Australia and internationally.
Throughout his career, Stephen has provided specialist consulting services in algorithm development, process optimisation, data analysis, software development, and technical problem solving. He has also developed commercial software applications and Excel-based tools supporting mineral processing, engineering analysis, and operational decision-making.
An accomplished researcher and communicator, Stephen is the author of more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific papers and numerous technical publications. He is recognised for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a practical and engaging manner, making him a highly valued educator and mentor.
As a consultant and trainer with DEKA Dynamics, Stephen combines scientific rigour, engineering expertise, and practical industry experience to deliver innovative consulting and training solutions that improve analytical capability, technical understanding, and operational performance within the mining industry.
Samuel Sibil is a mining consultant and technology specialist with expertise in geological modelling, Mineral Resource estimation, advanced geostatistics, mine planning, and mining software applications. He combines strong technical knowledge with practical operational experience to support mining companies through consulting, training, and technical problem-solving.
Samuel holds a Bachelor of Science in Geomatic Engineering and is currently completing a Master’s degree, further strengthening his capabilities in mining technology, spatial data management, and geological analysis. He gained valuable operational experience within Ghana’s manganese mining sector, developing a strong understanding of geological workflows, mining data management, and operational requirements.
His technical expertise includes geological database management, three-dimensional geological modelling, Mineral Resource estimation, advanced geostatistics, solid modelling, open pit mine design, mine surveying, and the application of industry-leading software platforms including GEOVIA Surpac, Whittle, MineSched, Deswik, ArcGIS, and related technical tools.
Samuel has successfully contributed to a wide range of mining projects involving resource evaluation, mine optimisation, strategic planning, and technical training. His experience includes supporting Preliminary Economic Assessments, Pre-Feasibility Studies, Feasibility Studies, and operational improvement initiatives across international mining jurisdictions.
As a consultant and trainer with DEKA Dynamics, Samuel focuses on helping mining professionals improve their technical capability through practical, industry-based education and consulting. His combination of geomatics expertise, operational mining experience, and passion for continuous development enables him to deliver effective solutions that support improved decision-making throughout the mining value chain.
Geological Consultant | Mining Software Specialist | Technical Trainer
Marta Sostre is a geological consultant and mining software specialist with extensive experience in geological modelling, Mineral Resource estimation, technical consulting, and professional training. She brings strong geological knowledge together with broad experience across multiple mining software platforms, enabling mining professionals and organisations to improve technical workflows and enhance confidence in geological interpretation.
Marta has developed her expertise through working with a range of mining companies and technical organisations, gaining practical experience in geological modelling, Mineral Resource evaluation, geological data management, and the application of modern digital tools within exploration and mining environments.
Since 2009, Marta has focused on consulting, personnel development, and technical training, delivering practical programmes designed to strengthen geological capability and improve the effective use of mining software solutions. Her ability to combine technical knowledge with an engaging teaching approach makes her a valued contributor to DEKA Dynamics’ international training programmes.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Marta plays an important role in supporting DEKA Dynamics’ activities throughout Latin America and other Spanish-speaking mining regions. She has also assisted mining software companies with the translation of technical software solutions, documentation, and training materials from English into Spanish, helping broaden access to advanced geological and mining technologies.
As a consultant and trainer with DEKA Dynamics, Marta combines geological expertise, software knowledge, and multilingual communication skills to deliver practical consulting and training solutions that improve technical capability, support professional development, and encourage the adoption of international best practice across the mining industry.
Exploration Geologist | Competent Person | Geological Consultant
Robert (Bob) Hatherly is a highly respected exploration geologist and mining consultant with more than 50 years of international experience in mineral exploration, geological evaluation, project management, and Mineral Resource reporting.
Bob has worked across a wide range of commodities including coal, gold, platinum group metals, base metals, iron ore, manganese, industrial minerals, and phosphates. His extensive consulting career has taken him throughout Africa, Türkiye, and Colombia, supporting exploration programmes, resource evaluations, technical reviews, and investment decisions.
A specialist in coal exploration and Competent Person reporting under the JORC and SAMREC Codes, Bob has managed exploration projects from early-stage target generation through geological interpretation, resource evaluation, and compliant reporting. His experience includes due diligence investigations, exploration strategy development, geological auditing, and mentoring of graduate exploration geologists.
Bob’s innovative approach to geological data quality led to the development of the Sample Trail Audit (STA) system, a specialised compliance and auditing methodology designed to improve sampling integrity and geological confidence. He has also developed exploration methodologies including KwikCoal and KwikEx, providing focused and cost-effective approaches for early-stage exploration programmes.
As a Senior Consultant with DEKA Dynamics, Bob contributes extensive field experience, technical expertise, and practical exploration knowledge to support consulting assignments and professional training. His ability to combine geological understanding with exploration management and reporting expertise provides mining organisations with valuable support in reducing exploration risk and improving confidence in geological information.
Senior Geotechnical Consultant | Rock Mechanics Specialist
Gerald Gainsford is a Senior Geotechnical Consultant with DEKA Dynamics and an accomplished Rock Engineer with more than 25 years of experience in underground and surface mining operations across gold, platinum, coal, diamond, and other mining sectors throughout Southern Africa.
Gerald has developed extensive expertise in geotechnical engineering, rock mechanics, ground control, slope stability, and operational risk management, with particular experience in high-seismicity underground environments and complex open pit geotechnical conditions. His technical capabilities include rock mass characterisation, ground support design, highwall and slope stability assessment, numerical modelling, seismic calibration, forensic investigations, and regulatory compliance.
He has successfully delivered consulting services, technical audits, and specialist training to leading mining organisations including Harmony Gold, Sibanye-Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti, Impala Platinum, Bokoni Platinum, and Phalaborwa Mining Company. His practical approach combines advanced engineering techniques with extensive operational experience to develop effective, site-specific solutions.
Gerald holds a Master of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and specialised qualifications in numerical modelling techniques and rock engineering. He is actively involved in the advancement of the profession through SANIRE, where he serves as a Council Member, as well as through examination moderation, technical presentations, mentoring, and industry engagement.
As a consultant and trainer with DEKA Dynamics, Gerald delivers advanced training in rock mechanics, stress analysis, numerical modelling, and geotechnical engineering, helping mining professionals strengthen technical capability, improve ground control practices, and enhance operational safety.