Jaguar Mining/UFOP | Brazil
Leandro Oliveira is an accomplished geologist with over two decades of expertise in mineral exploration, specializing in gold and copper deposits across diverse geological settings. He has a proven track record in managing large-scale exploration programs, leading multidisciplinary teams, and implementing innovative exploration techniques for globally recognized mining companies. His contributions have led to significant resource expansions and technological advancements in mineral exploration processes, reflecting his commitment to sustainable and efficient mining practices.
Professional Profile
Education
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Universidade Estadual Paulista, complemented by an MBA in Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, both verified for international academic recognition. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Crustal Evolution and Mineral Resources at Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, with a strong focus on mineral systems, economic geology, and advanced exploration methodologies.
Experience
Throughout his career, he has progressed through key roles, from Junior Geologist to Exploration Coordinator, working with major companies such as Yamana Gold and Jaguar Mining. He has managed annual exploration budgets exceeding USD 5M and supervised over 250,000 meters of drilling campaigns. His expertise spans greenfield and brownfield exploration, project management, QA/QC procedures, geochemistry, geophysics, and 3D geological modeling. At Jaguar Mining, he spearheaded the discovery of over 325,000 ounces of inferred mineral resources, while at Yamana Gold, his efforts contributed to adding over 7 million ounces of AuEq to the company’s mineral resources portfolio.
Research Interests
His research and professional interests revolve around mineral systems and targeting science, structural geology, geostatistics, and the integration of advanced geospatial technologies in mineral exploration. He is particularly focused on developing innovative methodologies for target screening, mineral prospectivity mapping, and integrating hyperspectral and geochemical datasets to enhance exploration decision-making processes.
Awards and Recognitions
He has received multiple recognitions for his impactful contributions, including leading technological innovations such as implementing portable-XRF analysis that reduced analytical response time by 80% and developing corporate database structures for multi-country operations. His achievements include advancing two greenfield projects to the mine development phase and receiving acknowledgment for his role in technological innovation, exploration efficiency, and strategic mineral resource expansion.
Publications
Cabral, A.R., da Costa, M.A., Oliveira, L., Hector, S., Zeh, A., Martins, M. de S., Moura, P., Silva, M., Nazareth, L.P.T., Silva, L.C. da, Amorim, L.E.D., Kwitko-Ribeiro, R., Araújo, G.D.S., Baeta, V.A.D., Lemos, T. de C., Porto, J.V.E., Ribeiro Jr, N.F., Soares, M.L.F., Waughan, G.D., et al. (2024). “The historical Corrente gold deposit, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Geological characteristics and a reconnaissance study of nugget effect.” Applied Earth Science – Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy, 134: 1–14. Citations: 1
Prudente de Melo, R., Farias de Oliveira, M.A., Goldfarb, R.J., Johnson, C.A., Marsh, E.E., Perez Xavier, R., Rocha de Oliveira, L., Morgan, L.E., et al. (2021). “Early Neoproterozoic Gold Deposits of the Alto Guaporé Province, Southwestern Amazon Craton, Western Brazil.” Economic Geology, 117: 127–163. Citations: 6 | 5
Medina, C.M., Fernando Ducart, D., Souza Passos, J., de Oliveira, L.R., et al. (2021). “Exploration Vectoring from the White Mica Spectral Footprint in the Atypical Auriferous Lavra Velha Deposit, San Francisco Craton, Brazil.” Ore Geology Reviews, 139: 104438. Citations: 5 | 5
Conclusion
Leandro Oliveira embodies technical excellence, leadership, and innovation in mineral exploration. His ability to bridge cutting-edge technology with traditional geological principles has not only expanded mineral resource portfolios but also optimized exploration workflows across international mining operations. With a global perspective gained through professional experiences in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, USA, and Canada, and proficiency in English and Spanish, he continues to make significant contributions to the field of economic geology and mineral resource development, aligning his work with best practices, safety standards, and sustainable exploration strategies.