Rustenburg, North-West, South Africa
As a dedicated Chemical Engineer with experience in flotation, smelting and refining in the PGM industry, I thrive on unique problem-solving and rising to any challenge that comes my way. My passion for innovation drives me to constantly push the limits of what I can achieve, ensuring that I am always learning and expanding my skillset. I completed my studies at North-West University, graduating cum laude in 2022. This academic achievement reflects my commitment to excellence and my ability to master complex concepts. In addition to my core expertise in chemical engineering, I enjoy dabbling in computer programming. This hobby has become an invaluable tool in my professional life, allowing me to streamline large data mining and analysis tasks. By integrating programming solutions, I can tackle complex problems more efficiently and effectively. My commitment to continuous improvement and my ability to adapt to new challenges make me a versatile and resourceful engineer. I am also proficient in project management, process optimization, and strategic planning. My critical thinking and data analysis skills enable me to make informed decisions and optimize performance. I am always eager to explore new technologies and methodologies, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of my field. My strong communication and collaboration skills help me work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, driving innovative and impactful solutions.
I am currently employed as a metallurgist at Valterra Platinum’s base metal refinery, after completing my 3 year advanced graduate program. I am part of a Pressure Oxidation (POX) autoclave plant commissioning team, where I have gained extensive experience in process design, control systems architecture, pumping systems design and hydraulic simulations, and industry leading PSM systems. Key highlights: • Designing and overseeing construction of a filter press drippings recovery system requiring civil, hydraulic, thermal and reaction design skills • C4 commissioned a mechanical seal water distribution network for the POX plant
I was exposed to industry leading base metal refining technologies, and gained experience in the following fields: High pressure leaching, Autoclave operation and design, hydrometallurgical processing, and some experience in electrowinning. Key highlights: • Conducted maintenance inspections on autoclave units assessing refractory lining conditions • Used an in-depth process understanding to optimise circuit chemistry through a process stream blend
I was again tasked with the position of acting metallurgical engineer. Here, I gained key pyrometallurgical industry experience, specifically: sulphide smelting, sulphide matte converting, furnace operation and design, furnace and converter rebuilds, and furnace feed preparation processes. Key highlights: • Data driven A&I on feed material characteristics as well as theoretical energy balances to improve coal consumption efficiency on a smelter flash drying unit • Led a team that spearheaded a trial where a slag tailings stream was re-introduced into a smelting operation, to quantify its impact on the process through chemistry changes, logistical impacts, and maintenance changes in a wholistic business case
I was assigned an acting metallurgist role at a sulphide mineral floatation plant. I gained key industry skills in the field of minerals processing (crushing and comminution, floatation, and PGM recovery processes). Key highlights: • Hydrodynamic survey of a concentrator floatation circuit, aiding in a significant recovery increase • Mineralogical study of ROM material to better understand the grinding efficiencies in a tertiary comminution circuit