A geologist with a degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and a master's degree in Economic Geology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), he has over 20 years of experience in open-pit and underground mining operations and mineral exploration. He earned postgraduate degrees in South Africa (UCT) and Brazil (FDC). He has worked for large companies in various regions of the country, working with a variety of commodities such as gold, iron, copper, and nickel.