Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson: Women In STEM

Showing posts with label Women In STEM. Show all posts

Monday, December 15, 2014

Miss Sierra Leone USA: Advocating for the Recruitment/Retention of Girls/Women in STEM

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God! If you have been following my journey as Miss Sierra Leone USA and/or know me personally, you must be aware of my passion and advocacy for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM fields. STEM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Throughout my time of service as Miss SLUSA, I have actively advocated for this personal platform of mine alongside SHERO. In this post, I plan to share my story of why I chose this platform and my personal experiences as a woman in STEM and mining.

Learning how to drive a haul truck
Ruby B. Johnson
Kono District, Sierra Leone

I have always been vocal of why Miss Sierra Leone USA is the only pageant I've ever competed in and why I choose this organization, simply for its purpose of providing an opportunity for young Sierra Leonean women in the United States to serve the diaspora through a particular platform. When I had to choose what platform I was going to advocate for as a Miss Sierra Leone USA finalist, I discussed with my mom and entire family that it needed to be something I can relate to and something I can carry on after my time of service with the crown. Being that I had already created my organization (When You Believe Foundation, Inc.) and advocating for the empowerment of girls/women, and I was already a mining engineering student, the choice was simple for me to have a platform that empowers women and advocates for them in STEM fields.

First Mine Visit in 2011
Underground Limestone Mine in Giles County, Virginia
Ruby B. Johnson

In my university and work experiences, I have dealt with being the only woman, only Black, and sometimes the only Black woman in a room. I have so many "firsts" in my mining courses and work experiences because of being woman and Black but this is something I am partly proud of. Yes, I am proud that I have stepped into uncharted territories but there's also the part of me that eagerly waits for more people like myself to occupy that space and join me. Additionally, I am sometimes viewed as rare because I am a titleholder (or "beauty queen" - a word I don't like to use) but I am in a field that is anything but girly; this confuses some people. I love it! In my opinion a woman should not always follow a particular path and she can wear many different hats, and that's why my passions do not intersect. I love that I can trade my crown for my hard hat, my stilettos for my steel-toe boots, and my sash for my reflector vest or harness. Because of this of my intersectionality, I've had opportunities to even give a lecture to the advisory board of the Mining and Minerals Engineering department at my university (Virginia Tech); it was great!

Calcite surface mine in in Hunt Valley, Maryland
Ruby B. Johnson

As Miss Sierra Leone USA, I share a lot of my adventures while wearing the sash and crown, and I absolutely enjoy that. However, I make it a priority of mine to share some of my personal life as well as a mining engineer student/intern. This is important to me because I believe that verbally advocating for my platform is not enough, it is necessary for girls/women worldwide to see me doing what I do and what I am passionate about: mining. Over the past couple years, I've also had the opportunity to speak with girls in their classrooms, events, workshops, etc. in the United States and Sierra Leone encouraging them to pursue a career in STEM, as well as talking about my personal experiences in mining; one of my favorite things to do in life.

Doing what I love (mining) in where I love (Sierra Leone)
Kimberlite rock quarry in Koidu City, Kono District
Ruby B. Johnson

Surveying the city of Koidu
Ruby B. Johnson

During the time I worked in Kono District, Sierra Leone last year for Koidu Limited - Octea Mining, I did my very best in making my presence in the city of Koidu and nearby cities, as well as on social media known. This was very important to me because I wanted Sierra Leonean girls to see their own doing something unconventional and know that they can aspire to be whoever they want, even if it is a job that women lack visibility in (such as STEM fields). I even made sure to record and upload a video online of me during my first time working with the blasting team and igniting a blast. I recall when some of the workers at Octea would continuously stare at me in shock because they see a girl working in the quarry, and I'd talk with them and tell them that when they return home after work to encourage their sisters/cousins/daughters/wives to do the same thing I am doing. Because I am them.

Ruby B. Johnson with some of the surveyors at Koidu Limited
Kimberlite rock quarry in Kono District, Sierra Leone

There will be tough times...

There are times I struggle in my mining classes and/or work experiences and I truly do want to give up, but I actually use the negative I get from folks that say "girls/women cannot excel in STEM courses and/or professional fields" to keep me going. This is not something that is easy to do, but that motivation really keeps me going sometimes. As humans, when we don't excel as we would like in something, we naturally want to give up. Therefore, being discouraged in my classes/jobs has nothing to do with me being a woman in a STEM field, but simply because I am having a tough time comprehending or achieving the goal I want. Besides with my family or close friends, it is rather unfortunate that there have been times I just want to complain about struggling with my academic or professional life, but feel afraid that others may conclude it as a weakness, because I am a woman in STEM.

Safety First: Always Wear Your PPE!
Ruby B. Johnson

Mining Rocks (pun intended)
Ruby B. Johnson

I have had many tough semesters, but this one has been one of the most difficult for me academically. It feels like everything keeps getting harder, and lesser hours in the day. I have cried to my mom and friends, telling them of how stressed I am, and how ironic it is that I advocate for STEM but I'm overwhelmed by my own work. I'll be on the phone talking to my mom/brother/dad/grandmother telling them of how tired I am and they always encourage me to keep persevering, as well as pray for me. I am blessed to have a wonderful support system that is there for me at my trying times and grateful for their continuous love and support. I have good days and I have bad days, but I know for sure that I am where I need to be in life! Life's obstacles may come our way, but destiny always prevails. Regardless of how crazy life gets for me, these three things will forever remain true: I love MINING! I love being a WOMAN! I love STEM!

Little Woman, Big Dozer.
Ruby B. Johnson

Your credibility may be questioned...

While reading an article a couple weeks back for fun (but my current research is also related to this article), I came across a very interesting article of an interview with a South African woman who is a practicing mining engineer. In the article, one of the statements made by Wilhemina Manaso (Mine Manager at BHP Billiton South Africa) that stuck to me was "There are a lot of barriers caused by my gender; as a woman, if you’re doing well in a male-dominated industry they think you're having an affair with one of the senior managers. Every time I was promoted, they would say, 'how come you promoted her? Is she having a relationship with you?'" Besides being promoted as Ms. Manaso mentions, there are times whereby people think a woman is hired because of her sex and/or skin color, and disregard their intellect and credibility. This happens, but do not let it break you (my dear girls/women). Keep striving for excellence.

Who needs an office job, when you can be outside and get dirty???
Ruby B. Johnson

I plan to work in operations, engineering, and/or consulting in the mining industry, but my ultimate goal in the next 15 years or less is to be the CEO of a mining company. Someone that I have gotten to know of that motivates me to pursue this goal is Ms. Daphne Mashile-Nkosi from South Africa; I haven't had the opportunity to meet her in-person yet, but when I read what this woman has done and listen to her speak: I see myself in her. I always speak fondly of her on my social media accounts and if you are not familiar with her, read this article and get to know.

Survey Life
Kimberlite quarry in Koidu City, Kono District

What can we (as a society) do:

Encourage girls, just as much as we encourage boys, to excel in STEM courses in middle and high schools, and acquire STEM degrees/certificates in college or vocational schools
We need STEM role models, and those women must be mentors to girls and young women that aspire to be in their respective fields. We must lift as we climb.
Parents/guardians should buy a variety of toys for their daughters besides a barbie doll; toys that make them explore their creative and technical sides

Future Mining CEO/Mining Engineer
Ruby B. Johnson

Over the past couple years that I have served as Miss Sierra Leone USA, I have gotten some messages and comments from folks via social media, as well as in-person, of how proud they are of me and that I must keep up the good work. I REALLY appreciate feedback, and I'm grateful for all of you. But in reality, I am sure there may be others that observe me in silence that I may never have the opportunity to meet or ever speak with. My dream is that I can influence as many girls and women out there to aspire for STEM degrees and jobs, even if I never get to meet or know them. Every little girl and boy aspires to be like someone in their family or on TV they want to be like when they grow up, and I hope there is a girl or boy out there that would entertain the thought and work towards being in a STEM field because of me.

Underground salt mine in Lansing, New York
Ruby B. Johnson

For me, I did not have any women in my family or know of any woman that was in the mining field to aspire to be like BUT I was raised by phenomenal women and a family that instilled in me that I can be anything I want to be as long as I work hard and smart towards it. In a future blog post, I will share my personal story of why I chose to be in an engineering field and why mining (hint: Sierra Leone does have something to do with it). Being a woman in STEM is not always an easy journey, but it's not always difficult either. Being a woman in STEM is possible, it can be done, and has been done. My dear girls and women of the world, keep reaching for excellence and nothing less!

Calcite quarry in Hunt Valley, Maryland
Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Monday, September 29, 2014

Miss Sierra Leone USA Serves As Judge At The 2014 Miss Tanzania USA Pageant

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been really busy but happy, thanks be to God! Due to my busy schedule, I've been behind on a couple blogs but I plan to make it up starting NOW! On August 30th, I attended the 2014 edition of the Annual Miss Tanzania USA pageant to serve as a judge. The inaugural edition was last year, in which I also served as a judge, and it felt great returning as a judge this year in support of this wonderful African diaspora pageant. The Second Annual Miss Tanzania USA was hosted by the always entertaining Gil Ingles, who is always a blast to watch in action.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Returning Judges:
Designer and Actor Mr. Peter S. Walden and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

It was exciting to be serving as a judge at the pageant with the always stylish Mr. Peter S. Walden (wearing his own Peter S. Walden Collection suit); he's the designer of the Perfect Gentleman by PSW suit collection. Both of us were judges last year, so it felt good to see a familiar face in the judges panel.

Red Carpet Host Ms. Veronique Blay and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Congolese Singer/Dancer Patience Ibembo

The entertainment for the night was the talented and beautiful, Ms. Patience Ibembo. With her beautiful voice and dancing skills, it was a pleasure watching her perform multiple times during the night. Patience is a singer and dancer from Congo, and a former dancer for artist Koffi Olomide. She's a lovely lady, and so sweet! She's definitely a crowd pleaser, and had the audience very much involved in all her performances. I kept whispering to my fellow judge, Peter S. Walden, that if I wasn't on judge duty, I'd have been on stage dancing with her. Make sure you check out her music online and grab a copy of this amazing African woman's work!

East and West African Queens:
Miss Tanzania USA 2014-2015 Aycha Cheyo and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

CONGRATULATIONS to the beautiful and very talented Miss Aysha Cheyo, who was crowned Miss Tanzania USA 2014-2015 and one of the United State's new African diaspora queens. This lady has such a beautiful voice, and during her talent performance I was so moved by her voice that I had my eyes closed just to enjoy her voice and focus on its beauty. Her big bright smile captivated the audience, and her countenance warmed our hearts. She performed throughout the night with grace and intellect. I wish her all the best during her time of service as reigning queen. Congratulations to Miss Tanzania USA 2014 First Runner-Up Kupewa Mushala and Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Second Runner-Up Jessica Kalemera.

Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Miss Congeniality Grace Mtingi demonstrating the skills of a construction worker during talent presentation

One of the memorable moments for me at this event happened during the talent presentation. Before I get into this, let's rewind a bit. I'm currently a final year student in Mining and Minerals Engineering and attaining a minor in Women's Studies Leadership at Virginia Tech. My personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA is advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. With all that said, let's come back to this event. During the talent presentation, one of the Miss Tanzania USA 2014 contestants came out in a hard hat, reflector vest, boots, etc. and I got so excited inside of me (it took a lot out of me not to start jumping in joy and tears when she got on stage). This contestant, Ms. Grace Mtingi, mentioned that she's a construction worker and would be demonstrating one of her tasks and its purpose in this job. This is something I have never seen done before for talent and was so excited to see something so unconventional and unique in a pageant. My goal in life is to acknowledge and promote the diversity of girls'/women's passions, and that women truly can do anything. Girls and women can have beauty AND brains! Watching Grace on stage was watching my platform of advocating for girls/women in STEM on stage, my dream was coming true. Grace was crowned Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Miss Congeniality, and observing her performance on stage and the volume of screams from folks in the audience for her, I'm sure she's very deserving of this title.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Miss Tanzania USA Class of 2014. These ladies did a phenomenal job on stage, and presented themselves with confidence and poise, and of course African elegance. They are all remarkable, and I hope they will continue to live out their dreams, maintain their passions, and be women of substance in their various communities. Once again, congratulations my African queens.

Miss Tanzania USA 2014 Court and Judges

AFRICAN QUEENS
Representing Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone

Overall, I had a wonderful time at the event. Additionally, the food was very delicious, the foodie in me was very pleased with the service and the content of my plate. Thank you for feeding me, Tanzania! Special thanks to Ma Winny Casey (owner of the Miss Tanzania USA pageant), Ms. Diana Michieka, Ms. Pendo, Gil Ingles, and the entire Miss Tanzania USA production team. You've created a wonderful organization that showcases the beauty and culture, as well as the many things the people of Tanzania can offer. Thank you to the Tanzanian community in the United States for taking me with open arms and promoting African unity. Tanzania Oye! Sierra Leone Oye! AFRICA OYE!!!

My dress for this event was designed by my lovely grandmother, Mrs. Bola Johnson, in Salone. Fambul den na Salone. Are you looking a seamstress that can make the best afrikana designs and many more in Freetown? Well worry no more and visit Leslen Ventures Tailoring and Boutique at 58 Dundas Street. Mrs. Bola Johnson sabi so en ple an wit matirial, in kayn no de. For example, she created my afrikana look for this event and several other outfits I've worn during my Miss Sierra Leone USA appearances. She's not only the best designer in Sierra Leone, but my lovely and amazing grandma. For more information, contact +232 77763001 or leslenventures@yahoo.com. Tell her I sent you!!!

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

This world was not created piecemeal. Africa was born no later and no earlier than any other geographical area on this globe. Africans, no more and no less than other men, possess all human attributes, talents and deficiencies, virtues and faults. Haile Selassie

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Photo credit:
Life Depicted Productions

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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Africa needs more Mining Engineers and Experts In Natural Resources Management by Ruby B. Johnson

During my official Homecoming as Miss Sierra Leone USA to Sierra Leone in April 2013, I had the opportunity to visit Koidu Limited (Part of Octea Mining) in Tankoro Chiefdom, Koidu Town, Kono district of Sierra Leone.

One of the highlights of my visit was being conducted to see the Koidu open pit mine, which I felt was very fitting since I was (and still am) a student at Virginia Tech in the USA working at a major in Mining and Minerals Engineering and a Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. I enjoyed the tour I was given by the General Manager and Human Resources Manager, and I expressed my interest in doing a summer internship with the company.

After my return to the United States, I applied for the internship position and was offered the position for summer 2013.

I was very excited about this opportunity because I saw it as a great way for me to gain experience in my future career, learn about the Sierra Leone mining industry, and also use my position as the reigning Miss Sierra Leone USA, to promote my personal platform of advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields while sharing my experience on this interesting odyssey through my blog.

As a Sierra Leonean-born woman, I believe it is very important for us, the Sierra Leonean diaspora, to pursue careers relevant to Sierra Leone and the African continent. We must make it a priority to contribute to the development of Africa. My country, Sierra Leone, is a reason why I chose the path of mining engineering in my future, and ideally I would love to work in that industry in Sierra Leone and throughout Africa in years to come. Whenever Sierra Leone and other African nations are spoken of in local and international media, there is always a mention of the many minerals we have been blessed with. However, I rarely hear of or meet young Sierra Leoneans with formal education in this industry.

There are many Sierra Leoneans employed at Koidu Limited, however few are in managerial or decision-making positions. I believe that it is very important for Sierra Leoneans and other Africans at home to earn relevant degrees and work in this field, as well as members of the diaspora to return and make their contribution with their degrees earned abroad. Investing in a quality education that pertains to mining is a great investment in Sierra Leone’s and Africa’s economy, and I believe it is our responsibility as Sierra Leoneans and Africans at home and abroad to do so. In addition, an increase in individuals seeking education and experience in the mining industry is a decrease in unemployment for the youth and Africans as a whole.

Read the full article here.

Ruby B. Johnson - Future Mining and Minerals Engineer and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Miss Sierra Leone USA Judges The 2013 Miss Tanzania USA Pageant

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been doing great and very busy, but overall I'm thankful to the Almighty. This past Saturday, I served as one of the judges at the First Annual Miss Tanzania USA 2013 Pageant. It was an evening of celebrating Tanzanian culture and women, good music from artists around the continent. delicious food, and generally showcasing the beauty of the African continent. Congratulations to Ma Winney Cassey, designer and creator of Mitindo Nite and founder of the Miss Tanzania USA pageant, and her team for a successful event. The event was hosted by Mrs. Tumaini Kaisi-Katule and Mr. H. Gil Ingles.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Dress by Joanna Arku of Arku Fashion

According to the Miss TZUSA website, "The pageant goal is to help young Tanzanians girls in the U.S achieve and perform to their full potential via a successful education and personal growth thus laying a strong foundation for them as future productive members and leaders of the Society." The crowned Miss Tanzania USA will compete at the Miss Africa USA 2014 pageant next year, representing her nation.

Ma Winny Casey (founder of Miss Tanzania USA pageant) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Her Excellency Liberata Mulamula (Ambassador of Tanzania to the United States) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

At the event, I had the honor of meeting the Ambassador of Tanzania to the United States, Her Excellency Liberata Mulamula. She is a very down-to-earth and fun woman. This was the first time I have seen an Ambssador enter a room and took the time to walk around to greet everyone and shake hands with everyone without any formality. That's an admirable trait for an ambassador and a great individual, in my opinion. Besides being so kind, she's also a great dancer and she showed us some of her African dance moves during the show. She is truly a phenomenal woman and I even tweeted about her while I was at the event of how much I adored her. During the show, I even whispered to my fellow judge, Peter S. Walden, that now I want to become an ambassador because of her.

Mrs. Tumaini Kaisi-Katule (event hostess), Mr. Peter S. Walden (pageant judge, actor, designer, and creator of Perfect Gentleman by PSW) and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Singer Adele-Clarice, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, and singer/actor Koby Maxwell

Others in attendance were: Her Excellency Oliver Wonekha, Ambassador of Uganda to the United States; His Excellency Martin Andjaba, Ambassador of Namibia to the United States; Honorable Iddi Sandaly, President of the Tanzanian Community; Honorable Leticia M. Nyerere, Member of the Parliament of Tanzania; and many more! There were musical performances by Adele-Clarice (from Cameroon), Betty G. (from Ethiopia), Naomi Achu (from Cameroon), and Koby Maxwell (from Ghana).

Sarah E. Hillware (former America's Miss District of Columbia 2012, and Executive director of Girls Health Ed.), and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Classic American Woman 2010 Elaine Roecklein, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Ms. United Nation International Ambassador 2014 Susan Hinkle, and Mr. Peter S. Walden

The Judges
Standing for the singing of the national anthems of Tanzania and USA

The Contestants (left to right):
Faith Kashaa, Sham Manka, Aeesha Kamara, Doreen Rumaya, Namala Elias, Helena Nyerere, Julia Nyerere, Alice Mhina, and Joy Kalemera.
Click on photo to enlarge

The Judges:
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson, Mr. Peter S. Walden, and Miss Sarah E. Hillware

Being a judge at this event was a tough decision and I'm sure my fellow judges would agree, because all the ladies were phenomenal! From their presentations in each segment of the competition, I could tell they have worked hard and prepared for their time on that stage. As an African woman, I am extremely proud of each and every one of them, even though they made my job tough that evening. Bravo to the Miss Tanzania USA committee, production team, and the amazing contestants.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Congratulations to the winners of the pageant, and I wish them all the best in their year of service as Miss Tanzania USA representatives. Miss Julia Nyerere (political science student) emerged as the 4th runner-up and Miss Namala Elias (nursing/pre-medical student) was the 3rd runner-up to Miss Tanzania USA 2013. Miss Faith Kashaa (clinical laboratory technology student) from Maryland won the title of Miss Tanzania USA 2nd runner-up, and Miss Doreen Rumaya (kinesiology pre-medical student) from Pennsylvania won the title of Miss Tanzania USA 1st runner-up. The beautiful and talented Miss Joy Kalemera from New Jersey won the grand title of Miss Tanzania USA 2013-2014. Miss Tanzania USA Joy Kalemera currently works as a chemical engineer and in her spare time enjoys drawing, painting, and playing volleyball. Since I was crowned Miss Sierra Leone USA, I have been advocating for SHERO as well as the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM; so as a STEM student and mining engineer, it makes me so proud to see my fellow STEM sisters that are taking over pageantry!

Her Excellency Ambassador Liberata Mulamula crowning Miss Tanzania USA 2013 Joy Kalemera

Beauty Queens and Engineers
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Miss Tanzania USA 2013-2014 Joy Kalemera

Ambassador Mulamula with Miss Tanzania USA contestants, crowned winners, and Ma Winny Casey

Left to right:
Miss Sarah E. Hillware, Mr. Peter S. Walden, Miss Tanzania USA 2013-2014 Joy Kalemera, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014, and Lady Kate Atabong (CEO of Miss Africa USA pageant)

Overall, this was a great production and once again congrats to all the winners and the Miss Tanzania USA production team. Thank you for having me as a judge and giving me the opportunity to help choose your newest ambassador. Africa, OYE!!!

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Photos credit:

Life Depicted Photography

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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Adventures of Miss Sierra Leone USA - Life in Salone (Part II)

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing awesome, thanks to the Almighty for continuous blessings and lessons. I've been very busy, as usual, and realized that I'm behind on updating you all on this blog about my Kono/Salone adventures. I've uploaded some pictures below. For more frequent updates, I highly recommend you all to Like and follow me on my facebook page.

2013 Octea Mining Intern and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Few weeks ago, I worked with the load/haul department. I got to see how the materials (granite, kimberlite, or laterite) are transported from the pit to the stockpile, and then to the plant. Another awesome opportunity is that I got to see how the excavators and haul trucks work, and also learn how to drive them. In the photo above, I'm sitting in one of the Koidu Limited's haul trucks; haul trucks are off-highway, two-axle, rigid dump trucks specifically engineered for use in high production mining and heavy-duty construction environments.

2013 Octea Mining Intern and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Mining rocks...pun intended!

I am standing on granite rocks in the photo below that were previously blasted. Being that I got to work in a pit that contains the diamond-bearing rock, kimberlite, I like to proudly say that "some people wear diamonds, I get to walk on diamonds!" and also "some people work to buy diamonds, I get to work with diamonds!"

Kimberlite rocks at a pit in Octea Mining's Koidu Limited

These may look like regular rocks to the normal eye but they're actually kimberlite rocks. Kimberlite is an inequigranular igneous rock, and the rock that bears diamonds! Kimberlite pipes are the most important source of mined diamonds today. With this internship in Koidu with Koidu Limited, I'm learning a lot about these rocks and all things mining engineering because that's what is mined here, known as Octea Mining's Koidu Kimberlite Project.

Beautiful town of Koidu, Kono District, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone

2013 Octea Mining Intern and Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with some members of the Surveying team.
I had so much fun working with these guys, and they always made me laugh.