Striking the Perfect Balance: A Decade of Growth at KPSA - Andrew Copeland's Reflections

Unveiling a Decade of Growth: Andrew in Conversation with KPSA's Marketing Lead, Selina Narainsamy

In the last ten years at Knight Piesold Southern Africa (KPSA), Andrew Copeland has navigated a path of both professional growth and personal balance. Transitioning from a long-standing career of 25 years in the mining industry, Andrew embraced the challenges of becoming a consultant, overseeing crucial aspects of the business such as #mine residue, #geotechnical, environmental, and #hydrogeological matters primarily related to mining projects. As he reflects on his decade at KPSA, Andrew opens up about the highs and lows, the accomplishments, and the lessons learned.

The Transition and New Horizons

Andrew's appointment as a Senior Manager and Technical Specialist at KPSA marked a turning point in his career. However, the shift to consultancy wasn't without its hurdles. Andrew recalls the significant effort and adjustments required to compile proposals and understand the intricacies of executing work. One of the notable adjustments was familiar territory due to his background in the client environment: drafting SoWs, which was expected by many clients where they required guidance on the steps for each project. Winning work became a pivotal measure of performance, bringing forth moments of elation and occasional disappointments when proposals were accepted or rejected.

Managing multiple projects and teams within strict timelines and budgets represented a stark departure from Andrew's review-based work of the past. This new responsibility came with its own challenges, as he had to learn the art of keeping everyone engaged and productive.

Despite the initial challenges, Andrew swiftly adapted to his new role. He acknowledges the invaluable contribution of junior and mid-level engineers and scientists who excelled in design and drafting tasks. As the transition settled, Andrew candidly admits that while filling in timesheets for invoicing purposes remained laborious, it was an essential aspect of the consultancy process.

A Decade of Highlights and Achievements

Andrew's journey at KPSA was filled with numerous milestones and accomplishments. As he rose to become an Executive Director of KP RSA and a Technical Director for the Mining Discipline across KP Southern Africa’s business, overseeing operations across several countries, including #Namibia, #Botswana, #Zambia, #DRC, and #Madagascar.

The recognition of becoming a Fellow of #SAICE was a humbling moment of honour for Andrew, validating the dedication and hard work he poured into his profession. Additionally, Andrew's expertise was sought after as he assumed the role of Engineer of Record for 20 tailings dams in Southern Africa. This appointment also encompassed the oversight and review of many other projects, further reflecting KPSA's trust in his capabilities.

Beyond his local contributions, Andrew's impact extended internationally when he represented #SANCOLD on the #ICOLD tailings and waste lagoon committee L. His leadership in updating the SANS 10286 code of practice on Mine Residue to align with GISTM showcased his commitment to enhancing global safety standards for tailings facilities. Andrew's involvement in various conferences, paper reviews, and presentations demonstrated his passion for knowledge exchange and industry advancement.

Technical Insight and Industry Publications

Andrew's technical capabilities and extensive experience have made him the go-to expert for industry-related magazines and publications. Throughout his tenure at KP, he has contributed valuable technical insights to various publications, offering profound perspectives on tailings management, geotechnical investigations, and environmental practices. His thought leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving advancements in the field and promoting best practices. Andrew recently presented at the prestigious #PasteConference in Banff, Canada. His presentation was centered on the implementation of dry stacking for tailings storage, highlighting the significant challenges of implementing this technology in tailings management systems. He shared valuable insights gained from several trade-off studies conducted in Southern Africa and arid regions of Africa, where dry stacking was recommended as a promising consideration for the next phase of tailings management projects.

Andrew's contributions to industry have not only solidified his standing as a respected professional but have also positioned him as a beacon of knowledge and innovation within the mining and engineering community. As a thought leader, his insights have helped shape the discourse around tailings safety and sustainability, elevating KP's reputation as a leading consultancy in the industry.

Balancing Work and Life: A Supportive Journey

While the professional journey demanded considerable commitment, Andrew emphasizes the importance of maintaining a #worklifebalance. He acknowledges the challenge posed by the GISTM compliance deadlines and the strain on the Southern African skills market, leading to a shortage of technical capacity. However, the support of his family, church, and sporting activities played a crucial role in ensuring a balanced life.

Andrew takes immense pride in his three talented children, each achieving remarkable feats in their respective fields of study and sports.

• His Eldest Son: Representing South Africa in tennis was just the beginning. He went on to play college tennis in the USA while pursuing studies in actuarial science, showcasing a remarkable balance of academics and sports.
• His Second Son: He was not only the head boy of his school but also achieved nine colors awards, a testament to his diverse talents. Currently, he is excelling in his fifth year of medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
• His Youngest Daughter: Has also demonstrated extraordinary talent in athletics, representing two provinces in various competitions. Her skills earned her a scholarship to run at Georgia Tech in the USA, where she is now studying industrial engineering.

Their remarkable achievements reflect the family's shared passion for excellence and determination to succeed.

Although Andrew mentions it all would not be possible without his wife. He attributes much of his successes to her, a dedicated and talented mathematics teacher, who has been by his side every step of the way. Her unwavering encouragement and belief in his abilities have been instrumental in helping Andrew navigate the challenges of his demanding career.

For Andrew, finding the perfect work-life balance meant cherishing every moment with his family. They embark on memorable holidays both locally and internationally, creating opportunities for educational experiences and bonding. Together, they explore new horizons, building strong connections that enrich their lives.

Striving to lead by example, Andrew pursued his personal goals outside of work. He remained active and fit by participating in the World Masters squash tournament in Johannesburg in 2016, emerging victorious in four out of six matches. Moreover, he kept pace with his daughter's passion for running by taking part in the 1500m and 5000m age-category Gauteng races, earning a well-deserved silver in both events in 2019.

"Reflecting on the last ten years at KPSA, I have learned that growth is not just about the milestones we achieve, but the balance we strike between professional excellence and personal fulfillment. It is in the pursuit of this equilibrium that we find the true essence of success."

Looking Ahead: A Continued Journey of Impact

As Andrew looks towards the future, he remains committed to contributing to the ongoing evolution of tailings management, both within KPSA and the wider industry. His wealth of experience and passion for progress continues to drive him to shape the future of TSF safety and sustainability.

With a few more years ahead at KPSA, Andrew aims to give back what he has learned while promoting the KPSA brand and leading by example—an enduring motto that has guided him throughout his rewarding journey.

Knight Piésold Southern Africa: A Culture of Excellence, African Excellence

At Knight Piésold Southern Africa, our culture is deeply rooted in excellence and commitment to making a positive impact. Our dedication to providing innovative and sustainable solutions to complex engineering challenges is evident in every project undertaken. Our company's approach emphasizes collaboration, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives come together to drive groundbreaking solutions.

The KPSA team takes pride in our ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic industries like mining, where challenges and opportunities constantly arise. Our expertise extends far beyond technical know-how; it lies in the deep understanding of clients' needs and the unwavering dedication to deliver exceptional results.

Our People: The Heart of KPSA!

Our success lies in the remarkable talent and passion of our people, just like Andrew Copeland. With our diverse team of engineers, scientists, and specialists is driven by a shared purpose – to make a positive impact on the world through our work. Our unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability forms the bedrock of every project undertaken.

Our inclusive and nurturing work environment fosters continuous learning and growth, enabling each team member to reach their fullest potential. At KPSA, collaboration is not just a buzzword; it's an integral part of our company's DNA.

www.knightpiesold.com

#engineers #worklifebalance #consultingengineers #civilengineering #goingfurthertogether #africanexcellence #engineeringexcellence #mining #technicalexpertise #article