A 1981 graduate of the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (EPUSP), he holds a Master's degree in Mineral Technology from UFMG and a PhD in Mineral Engineering from EPUSP. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. He is a consultant for BNA Mining Solutions and a professor in the Department of Mining Engineering at UFMG. He has worked for over 40 years in the national and international mining sector, with proven experience in iron, gold, nickel, rare earths, limestone, phosphate, fertilizers, copper, sand, and clay.