Mariana Barbosa

Personal & career background

I was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I graduated from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and was born and raised in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. I couldn’t have chosen a career that suited me better than Mining Engineering, especially since I have always lived in the Brazilian state where mining has one of the country’s richest histories. During university, I completed an internship at an iron ore mine near the city where I live. However, it was when I started my internship at Datamine in 2022 that I found the career path I wanted to pursue. Since then, I have progressed from Intern to Trainee Consultant to Junior Consultant, and I continue to learn every day by working in mine planning and contributing to projects across different mining operations. 

Challenges, projects & learnings 

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

My first DataBlast implementation in Brazil. I was responsible for system configuration, user training, and providing support throughout the implementation, ensuring that the solution met the operational needs. 

What was your role in the project?

I was responsible for software configuration, user training, and technical support throughout the implementation. I worked directly with the client to adapt DataBlast to their operation and, when necessary, collaborated with Datamine’s global teams to resolve technical challenges.

What made this project challenging?

It was my first DataBlast implementation, and I had to manage much of the project independently. In addition, the operation had specific requirements that required adaptations to the standard implementation process. The main lesson I learned was that every mine is different, and understanding the client’s reality is essential for a successful implementation. Today, I apply the soft skills I developed during that experience to other open-pit mine planning projects, such as mine scheduling, mine design, and other planning activities. 

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

The project introduced a more structured workflow for managing drilling and blasting activities. By centralizing data in DataBlast, the team achieved greater consistency, improved communication, and increased confidence in decision-making. 

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

This experience reinforced the importance of collaborating with Datamine’s global team and gave me greater confidence to lead implementations and solve problems in a practical and efficient way. 

Fun & forward-looking 

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

If I weren’t in mining, I’d probably follow in my parents’ footsteps and become an elementary school teacher. It’s something I actually enjoy doing. During high school and college, I even provided tutoring for students who needed extra help. 

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

A myth I’d like to bust is that mining is an outdated industry. Actually, mining is at the forefront of digital transformation and technological innovation. 

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

The possibility of mining with greater precision and less impact.