Dr. Beene obtained an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at University of Wales, University College Swansea in the United Kingdom in 1981 and joined Nchanga Tailings Leach plant.
In 1984, he won a Beit Trust scholarship and returned to his alma mater where in 1988 he was awarded a PhD in Chemical Engineering. He went on to hold several senior turnaround roles in the industry at Luanshya, Chingola and Kitwe.
He is credited as one of the influencers of change that saw birth of the modern Engineering Institution of Zambia and its Engineering Registration Board, having served as Secretary and President of the Professional Body.