Omada’s Senior Team
Geoff Cozamanis
MBA, MMinEng – Member AusIMM – Principal Mining Engineer/ Director
Geoff Cozamanis brings over 25 years of expertise in mining management, engineering, and quarry operations across a range of minerals, including iron ore, coal, gold, and lithium. His deep experience in iron ore operations has been instrumental in improving productivity and operational efficiency. Geoff has been a key figure in projects ranging from small-scale productivity initiatives to the startup of large mining operations, contributing at multiple levels within mining organisations.
Geoff’s responsibilities include managing large-scale mining teams, overseeing technical planning, and ensuring operational readiness. He has played a pivotal role in the ramp-up of greenfield sites and the implementation of autonomous mine designs for drills and trucks. His comprehensive knowledge of Load & Haul, Drill and Blast, and Mine Planning technologies positions him as a key asset in delivering practical solutions.
Career Highlights:
• Diverse Operational Experience: With over 30 years in open-cut mining, Geoff has worked with major companies like Rio Tinto, FMG, Evolution Mining, and BMA, gaining experience across various commodities.
• Operations Readiness Principal at Rio Tinto: Geoff was the key contact for transitioning from project studies to operations, reviewing mine designs, optimising layouts, and managing pit development.
• Strategic Leadership: He has led strategic projects, managing new pit developments and solving technical challenges like dewatering and geotechnical issues.
• Team Leadership: Geoff is skilled in mentoring and building team capabilities, supporting Greenfields deployments and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Business Strategies and Safety Compliance: With a WA QM & SSE Certificate, Geoff ensures safety compliance and contributes to developing effective business strategies and systems.
Geoff’s technical expertise and leadership make him a trusted leader in the mining industry, driving successful project outcomes.
Joel Ward
Senior Drill and Blast Specialist/Projects
Joel’s career spans over two decades in open-cut mining, with a specialisation in Drill and Blast operations across a wide range of minerals, including gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, and rare earths. With more than 20 years of blasting experience, Joel has excelled in operational, technical, and supervisory roles, including appointed Quarry Manager roles.
For eight years, Joel served as a Drill and Blast Superintendent in large-scale gold and iron ore operations, where his strategic leadership significantly optimised drilling and blasting processes. His ability to streamline complex mining projects underscores his operational acumen. Joel's expertise extends beyond mining, with four years focused on Civil & Construction Controlled Blast Design, showcasing his adaptability in applying his skills to various industries.
Internationally, Joel spent 2½ years as a Drill & Blast Superintendent in West Africa, managing challenging mining environments and contributing to the success of global operations. His hands-on experience also includes three years as a Drill and Blast Supervisor, overseeing day-to-day activities and maintaining high safety standards. Joel’s commitment to professional development is evident through his role as a Drill and Blast Trainer & Assessor, mentoring the next generation of mining professionals.
A strong advocate for safety, Joel has considerable experience in safety and health incident investigation, ensuring secure and compliant working conditions. With his extensive and versatile background, Joel stands out as a seasoned professional, ready to tackle the complexities of open-cut mining and deliver high-impact results across the mining and construction sectors.