Our team
The people behind Optimised Unearthing
Highly skilled professionals with decades of combined experience in mining, drilling and blasting — from engineers and technical specialists to safety officers and project managers.
Lufuno Mabaya
Managing Director — Drilling, Blasting & Explosives Management
Over 15 years of expertise in drilling, blasting, and explosives management, with a proven track record in operational leadership and technical excellence. Extensive management experience gained at AECI Mining, leading high-performing teams and large-scale blasting projects. Earlier 2.6.1 appointments at Glencore operations, with work spanning blasting audits, explosives quality assurance testing, and fragmentation analysis.
- National Diploma in Mining Engineering
- B.Tech in Mining Engineering
- Surface Blasting Ticket
- Underground Blasting Ticket (Hard Rock)
- Explosives Engineer Certificate
- Vibration & Air Blasting Training
- VoD Monitoring Training
- GIBS Middle Management Development Programme
Lumka Mabaya
Director — Strategic Growth
An accomplished fraud risk professional with extensive business development experience in financial services, specialising in risk assessment, compliance, forensic investigation, and fraud prevention strategies. Brings a strong analytical background, regulatory expertise, and a proven ability to implement effective risk management frameworks.
- BA in Law (Criminology)
- PG Diploma in Risk Management
- PG Certificate in Money Laundering Investigation
- PG Diploma in Investigative & Forensic Accounting
- MPhil in Fraud Risk Management (in progress)
Mmangaliso Mdakane
Operations Manager — MbulaMata Group
Operations Manager within the material handling division, responsible for site operations, production performance, resource management, and the safe execution of material handling activities. Previously Senior Production Supervisor in Emalahleni (Witbank), with extensive experience in coal processing and mining operations.
- BSc Earth Science (Geology), Stellenbosch University
- Coal preparation & material handling expertise
We believe in a collaborative approach — fostering open communication, sharing knowledge and working together to overcome challenges. As a proudly South African, black-owned and managed company, we are committed to developing local talent, creating opportunities and investing in skills development.