Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Achievementsandexperience
Timeline
Generic

BERTHA NAINGWA

Graduate Metallurgist
Reyno Ridge

Summary

Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Pretoria. Valuable industry experience gained through vacation work at two copper mines, completing projects and expanding expertise in minerals processing and hydrometallurgy. Currently enhancing skills and knowledge through part-time Honors studies in Engineering and Technology Management, along with a one-year internship at Thungela. Passion for exploring diverse applications of metallurgy, seeking growth opportunities, and making a positive impact. Over a year of industry experience as a tech-proficient Graduate Trainee, possessing strong analytical skills and a keen eye for details. Excels at building effective and professional relationships with individuals and teams. Dedicated candidate eager to put analytical and problem-solving skills into practice in a professional setting. Skilled at gathering and analyzing data for research purposes with a strong emphasis on accuracy. Reliable with strong leadership skills for mentoring and supervising students. Flexible and adaptable, thrives in dynamic environments. High-performing Graduate Assistant with solid experience providing academic and administrative support to faculty members and students. Skilled at conducting research, managing projects, and assisting with course materials. Committed to staying current with best practices and trends in higher education. Organized and dependable candidate successfully managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

2025
2025
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages

Work History

Graduate Trainee

Thungela
Douglas
3 2024 - Current
  • Process familiarization: Screening (Dry and wet), Wemco drums, DMS cyclones, Spirals, Classification cyclones, Thickeners
  • Gained hands-on experience in process operations, maintenance, and optimization as a Process Operator, Laboratory Assistant, and Control Room Operator
  • Developed strong understanding quality control and SCADA systems
  • Assists senior plant metallurgists with their weekly marketing reports
  • Conducts projects to optimize the process and address any bottlenecks - Magnetite recovery, moisture optimization, efficiency tests
  • Took part in the environmental, Operation Management System, and lab audits
  • Attended and attained competency in the following soft skills courses: Presentation skills, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution

Student Intern

Konkola Copper Mines plc
12.2022 - 02.2023
  • Process familiarization: Leaching, Solvent extraction, Electrowinning
  • Conducted comprehensive investigations to quantify the impact of critical components on current efficiency of the electrowinning plant, including short circuits, cell furniture, hanger bars, knife edges, busbars, and cathode alignment
  • Formulated and executed a series of evidence-based procedures to mitigate identified issues, such as wet flapping, spark testing, short correction, and desludging
  • Achieved a notable 8% increase in average current efficiency through meticulous observation, data-driven decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to safety excellence

Student Intern

First Quantum Minerals
Solwezi
12.2021 - 02.2022
  • Process familiarization: Crushing, screening, milling, flotation
  • Collaborated with the optimization team to investigate the impact of ore rheology on particle size distribution and percentage solids in the SAG mill discharge, showcasing strong analytical and teamwork capabilities
  • Employed Millslicer technology to monitor trends in mill liner damage and toe angle, informing adjustments to key control parameters (feed rate, water flow rate, cyclone underflow rate), demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving

Education

BEng(Hons) - Engineering And Technology Management

University of Pretoria
South Africa
04.2024 - Current

BEng - Metallurgical Engineering

University of Pretoria
South Africa
01.2019 - 11.2023

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal

Analytical

Problem solving

Team work

Familiar with SHE standards

Adaptability

Technical skills

Project management

Excellent verbal communication skills

Solid analytical skills

Research

Multitasking

Microsoft office

References

Available upon request

Achievementsandexperience

  • Chairperson for Metallurgy Sub House, 2021
  • 40 Hours Community Outreach, 2021
  • Mentor for the STARS Mentorship Program, 2020
  • EBIT Sports Committee (Netball), 2020
  • Distinctions, Calculus, Community based project, Numeric methods, Engineering activity and group work

Timeline

BEng(Hons) - Engineering And Technology Management

University of Pretoria
04.2024 - Current

Student Intern

Konkola Copper Mines plc
12.2022 - 02.2023

Student Intern

First Quantum Minerals
12.2021 - 02.2022

BEng - Metallurgical Engineering

University of Pretoria
01.2019 - 11.2023

Graduate Trainee

Thungela
3 2024 - Current
BERTHA NAINGWAGraduate Metallurgist