Cornelius Itotoh is the Manager of Exploration Operations with BHP Western Australia Iron Ore. He is responsible for the safe delivery of all exploration programs ranging from orebody drill outs to resource targeting, approvals, hydrogeology, geometallurgy, geotechnical, grade control and preconstruction test work. Prior to taking this role in 2017, Cornelius led the delivery of a wide range of exploration and investigative geology projects across Australia, Africa and Europe in complex geological and operational scenarios.
Cornelius is passionate about leading strategic alliances with industry groups to deliver innovative changes to the wider industry. Drives excellence in frontline and operational leadership through collaboration for effective safety, people, productivity and cost management outcome.

These include the successful deployment of
• Industry first Rock Commander drill rig with automated sampling system. Winner of the 2021 DMIRS Safety Innovation Award and Finalist of the 2021 BHP Global HSE Awards.
• Industry first fully automated Blast Hole Assay Tool. Finalist 2022 DMIRS Safety Innovation Award and Finalist of the 2022 BHP HSE Awards
• Implemented the Industry leading Injury and Fatality Taxonomy for Exploration to drive safer outcomes in Field through safety management systems. Finalist 2022 DMIRS Safety Innovation Award
• Worked with industry drilling body to deliver Industry Guidance Notes such as the “Wide Diameter High Pressure Air Drilling” and “Drill Pad Standards”.

Cornelius earned an MBA from the University of Western Australia, MSc in Ecology and Environmental Management from the University of Liverpool and a BSc Geology from the Delta State University, Nigeria. He is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a Practitioner, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.