A career in Hydrogeology

James often says, borrowing a phrase from a well-known television programme, that he is and always has been a consultant hydrogeologist. It’s a statement that reflects nearly four decades of experience solving complex groundwater challenges across the globe.

His career began in the UK in 1987 after completing a BSc in Geology and an MSc in Hydrogeology. After 18 months, he moved to Johannesburg to join SRK Consulting, where he built a ten-year career and progressed to Principal Consultant. During this time, he worked across a wide range of commodities, including coal, energy minerals, precious and base metals, precious stones, potash, and polyhalites.

His expertise focused on geotechnical and water resources hydrogeology  – managing groundwater so that it neither disrupted mining operations nor left sites short of critical water supplies. An early piece of advice from his first boss in South Africa stayed with him:

“There isn’t a mine in the world without a water problem. They either have too much, or not enough.”

That principle has guided his thinking ever since.

After extensive travel across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the CIS states, James returned to the UK to establish a more settled life. He began working as an independent consultant and later founded Envireau, a UK-based water resources and management consultancy. There, he supported clients across industry, development, and agriculture, solving complex water challenges while navigating regulatory systems.

Now, approaching 40 years in the field, he reflects with characteristic humour:

“Been there, seen that, now where did I leave the T-shirt?”

Why the Mining and Minerals Sector Matters

For James, the international and UK mining and minerals sector has offered challenges unlike any other. The diversity of locations, the scale of technical problems, and the range of people involved have exposed him to the full spectrum of hydrogeology- from routine operational issues to highly innovative solutions.

He sees the sector as one grounded in pragmatism, initiative, and practical problem-solving. It demands resilience and sound judgement, rewarding those who can balance technical rigour with real-world constraints.

The Importance of Outreach

James believes outreach is essential to the future of geology and mineral development. Whether speaking to primary school students or engaging with project objectors, he values the opportunity to hear different perspectives.

For him, meaningful outreach is not simply about explaining the science – it is about dialogue. Listening to questions, concerns, and misconceptions often proves just as valuable as delivering information. These exchanges frequently reshape understanding on both sides.

Inspiring the Next Generation

James became involved in the Minerals Matter scheme because he is passionate about promoting a broader understanding of why minerals matter, how they can be sourced responsibly, and how fundamentally they underpin modern life and environmental systems.

He believes this awareness is critical- not only for protecting the planet, but also for encouraging future geologists, engineers, and technicians to take the industry forward.

And while he continues to share decades of expertise, he is still, occasionally, looking for that elusive T-shirt.