Dias Zhabayev

Personal & career background

Here everything is simple, the country of Kazakhstan where I live has exceptional mineral resources, the entire Mendeleev table is represented. In addition, the city of Semey in the Abay region where I come from is equipped with a good educational institution, the Semey Geological Prospecting College. The choice was obvious and so began my acquaintance with the mining industry. After college, companies came in to recruit, such as Schlumburger, Haliburton, Katсo and local companies. It turned out that I got a job at a uranium mining company called Katсo (a joint venture between Kazatomprom and the French Areva at the time, now Orano). I can say that I went through a full professional school in this company, as I worked there for 11 years. 
After such a long time with the company, I decided to try and gain experience in solid minerals exploration and mining, so I joined Nordgold as a resource geologist, the company is involved in gold mining. They are customers and users of Datamine software, in fact this is where I became familiar with the Datamine software line as a user. Then by coincidence I was hired as a geology consultant in Datamine’s office in Almaty, where I work to this day. I am also continuing my studies in geology, so you can never know everything and it is an ongoing process, but this time at the master’s degree in geological sciences. 

Challenges, projects & learnings 

Can you describe a project you delivered at Datamine that best showcases your expertise?

One project that best represents my expertise was the digitisation and 3D geological modelling of two uranium deposits. The objective was to move from mainly 2D and fragmented geological interpretations to an integrated 3D workflow that could support resource and reserve estimation, risk assessment and production planning. The work included preparation and validation of drillhole and geological data, interpretation of mineralised zones, construction of deposit-scale 3D geological models and support for the implementation of a standardised 3D modelling workflow at the mine sites. This project represents my expertise because it covered the full geological data chain: from original drilling, sampling and interpretation data through to modelling, estimation and operational use. The main deliverables were updated digital datasets, 3D models for two deposits, and a more structured modelling and estimation workflow that could be used by exploration, production geology and planning teams as a common technical basis. 

 What was your role in the project?

I was the Head of the 3D Geological Modelling Group and was responsible for coordinating the modelling work and ensuring that the final outputs were geologically reasonable, technically consistent and suitable for use in estimation and production planning. My responsibilities included organising the team’s work, preparing and checking source data, reviewing geological interpretations, supervising construction, review and implementation of the 3D geological models, supporting resource and reserve estimation, and preparing model inputs for prediction and risk analysis before production. 

I was directly involved in decisions on how to structure the 3D modelling workflow, how to transfer legacy interpretations into a consistent digital environment, how to resolve inconsistencies between drillhole data, maps and sections, and how to communicate geological uncertainty to the production and planning teams. I also participated in model reviews, recommended revisions where the interpretation was not sufficiently supported by the data, and coordinated the interaction between exploration geologists, mine geologists and other technical specialists. My role was therefore not limited to software operation; it included technical judgement, quality control, team coordination and delivery of models that could be applied in operational decisions. 

What made this project challenging?

The main challenge was combining data and interpretations that had been created for different purposes and at different stages of the deposits’ development. Historical information was not always organised in a uniform digital structure, and some 2D interpretations could not be transferred directly into a reliable 3D model. When the datasets were integrated, inconsistencies became visible between drillhole information, geological sections, maps and existing interpretations. This required a more iterative approach than originally expected. 

Instead of simply digitising the existing contours, we introduced staged data checking, comparison with the original geological documentation, repeated interpretation reviews and version-controlled model updates. We also involved the future users of the models during the review process so that the outputs were technically correct and practical for production. The most valuable lesson is that a 3D model cannot compensate for weak data governance or unclear geological assumptions. Mining teams should first establish a validated data foundation, document the modelling assumptions, define review and approval points, and involve exploration, production and planning personnel early. Technology provides the platform, while the quality of the workflow, geological assumptions and technical communication determine whether the model will be trusted and used effectively. 

How did the project improve the client’s or operation’s way of working?

The project provided the operation with a more consistent and transparent basis for geological decision-making. Instead of relying mainly on separate maps, sections and calculations, the teams could review the deposit in a single 3D environment, compare interpretations, identify data gaps and discuss geological risk before production decisions were made. This strengthened planning discipline because model inputs, assumptions and updates became more structured and traceable. 

The team adopted a standardised 3D geological modelling workflow and used the models to support resource and reserve estimation, prediction, risk analysis and preparation of data for production planning. The new workflow also improved cooperation between exploration and mine geology teams by giving them a common visual and quantitative reference. The main improvement was not only the introduction of a new digital workflow, but the establishment of a repeatable process for validating data, updating interpretations and transferring geological knowledge into operational planning. 

How does this project experience influence the way you support Datamine customers today?

This experience strongly influences how I support Datamine customers today. Rather than starting with a software function, I first clarify the geological objective, the available data, the intended operational use and the level of confidence appropriate for that use. I then help the customer develop a transparent workflow with clear validation steps, documented assumptions and defined review points. 

The experience also reinforced the importance of involving the people who will use and maintain the model throughout the project. Early engagement with the site team helps ensure that the workflow reflects operational requirements, is clearly understood and can be applied consistently after project completion. 

In consulting, technical support and training, I therefore use practical examples based on the customer’s own data and processes, explain the appropriate application and limitations of each method, and place strong emphasis on knowledge transfer. My operational background helps me understand how geological modelling connects with resource estimation, grade control, reconciliation and mine planning, allowing me to recommend solutions that are both technically robust and practical for day-to-day operations. 

Fun & forward-looking

If you weren’t in mining, what career could you see yourself in?

There are a lot of areas, probably something sales related. I wouldn’t rule out manufacturing of some kind. 

What’s one myth about mining you’d love to bust?

I don’t know how much of a myth this is, but maybe people think that mining is just mining, but beyond the basic processes to realize an object, almost all areas are included, and the beginning is science.

What excites you most about the future of mining and technology?

I really hope that technology will do a better job of preserving the natural state of nature.