Bongiwe Olga Cube
Senior Radiation Protection Specialist
Lutzville
Summary
Environmental management professional with over 10 years of experience in radiation protection, waste management, air quality, and water management, supported by ISO 14001 auditing expertise. Developed and led a 'Zero Waste to Landfill' initiative that generated $2.7 million in revenue and reduced waste costs significantly. Focused on implementing strategies that enhance sustainability and foster community engagement.
Overview
4
4
Languages
4
4
Certifications
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Radiation Protection Specialist
Tronox Mineral Sands (Mine, Separation and Smelter)
06.2024 - Current
- Obtaining and maintain all required radiation-related authorisations for the use, possession, production, storage, processing, conveying/transporting, selling, importing, exporting, disposal of and/or any other action related to naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), including, but not limited to the Certification of Registration (CoR) under the National Nuclear Regulator Act.
- Implement and maintain the radiation management system and programme, ensuring it complies with the NNR requirement and is in line with the ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 management system standards.
- Provided support in gathering information for assessments Public and Worker Radiation Safety Assessments routinely
- Reported and investigated findings from radiation management self-inspections and audits.
- Implement and maintain the radiation waste and physical security management programmes
- Liaising with employees on all levels concerning radiation safety, including but not limited to providing advice and guidance about the possible hazards of ionising radiation, radioactive materials and waste and the measures to be implemented for radiation protection;
- Liaised with employees at all levels on radiation safety, providing advice on hazards of ionising radiation and implementing protective measures.
- Drafted and submitted statistics, documents, and reports to NNR and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with radiation management requirements.
- Identifying and interpreting existing and new radiation-related legislation and requirements, advising leadership of its implications and ensuring its implementation where required.
Environmental Advisor
Tronox Mineral Sands (Smelter)
05.2017 - 05.2024
- Ensuring compliance of the site’s; Water use licence, Air Emissions licence, Certificate of registration (radiation) and other regulatory conditions.
- Managed waste and hazardous substances to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental safety
- Ensuring that monitoring is conducted and results are analysed
- Produced and submitted reports to authorities on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis to maintain transparency and accountability
- Ensured compliance through accurate NAEIS and IPWIS reporting.
- Inspections of the site to ensure compliance and continuous improvement
- Participated in internal audits (ISO 14001) to assess compliance and identify areas for continuous improvement
- Supervision and management of the person conducting monitoring
- Communicating with authorities and attending offsite and onsite meetings
- Drafting and updating of procedures
- Provide support and guidance to the site managers to ensure compliance
- Assist Environmental Specialist with licence applications and renewal
- Incident reporting and investigations
- Guided site managers in meeting regulatory standards
- Sustainability reporting
- Provided immediate support for safety, health, and environmental incidents.
- Loading purchase requisitions on SAP
- Provide awareness training (toolbox talk, induction, OEP training etc)
- Standby for Safety Health and Environment
- Contractor management
- Conducted pest control activities to protect site integrity.
Environmental Observer
Tronox Mineral Sands (Smelter)
12.2016 - 04.2017
- Sampling of: water (borehole & effluent), dust buckets and waste samples
- Radiation surface monitoring using electra gm and redeye
- Collected and recorded data
- Supervision of contractors removing hazardous waste
- Supervised contractors in removal of hazardous waste, ensuring compliance with safety regulations
- Supervised contractor in conducting stack sampling, facilitating accurate emissions data collection
- Conducting site inspections
- Ensure all radiation instruments are calibrated
- Provide awareness training (toolbox talk, induction, OEP training etc)
- Provision of waste bins and signage
- Managed office administration duties
- Loading purchase requisitions on SAP
- Delivered awareness training (toolbox talk, induction, OEP training) to enhance team understanding of environmental practices
- Administration
- Provide support to Environmental adviser
Laboratory Operative
Tronox Mineral Sands (Smelter)
05.2014 - 11.2016
- Conducted sample weight measurements
- Produced fusion discs for laboratory use
- Sample preparation
- Formulated acids for chemical analysis
- Analyzed and calibrated samples on XRF to maintain equipment precision and data integrity
- Recorded data for analysis and reporting
- Data capturing
- Conducted sample preparation for analysis
- Executed iron tap grinding with spark analysis
- Reported results to plant, facilitating informed decision-making and process adjustments
Chemistry intern
National Research foundation of South Africa (Host-Tronox Mineral sands)
05.2013 - 04.2014
- Ensured precise measurement of samples for analysis.
- Wet-chemistry analysis
- Sample preparation
- Created necessary reagents to support ongoing research activities.
- Weighing of samples
- Recorded data accurately to maintain research integrity.
Education
Bachelor of Science Hons - Environmental Management
University of South Africa
01-2018
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry/Physics and Biology
University of the Free state
01-2011
National Senior Certificate (Matric) - undefined
Sterkspruit Christian School
01-2007
Skills
Excel
Microsoft Office Word
PowerPoint
Microsoft teams
Defensive driving
Accomplishments
- Completed a Mentoring and Coaching course
- Facilitator for the companies Living our Values programme which focuses on growth mindset
Certification
Radiation protection officer in the mining and mineral processing industry
Timeline
Senior Radiation Protection Specialist
Tronox Mineral Sands (Mine, Separation and Smelter)
06.2024 - Current
Environmental Advisor
Tronox Mineral Sands (Smelter)
05.2017 - 05.2024
Environmental Observer
Tronox Mineral Sands (Smelter)
12.2016 - 04.2017
Laboratory Operative
Tronox Mineral Sands (Smelter)
05.2014 - 11.2016
Chemistry intern
National Research foundation of South Africa (Host-Tronox Mineral sands)
05.2013 - 04.2014
National Senior Certificate (Matric) - undefined
Sterkspruit Christian School
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry/Physics and Biology
University of the Free state
Bachelor of Science Hons - Environmental Management
University of South Africa
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Passionate: Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and dedication for any role allocated to me
- Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges
- Adaptability: Flexible and open to change which allows me to handle unexpected situations effectively
- Creativity: Think outside the box and offer innovative solutions that can drive progress and make significant impact in any role
- Collaborative: Good communication and interaction across all business levels
PROFESSIONAL DETAILS
- Nationality: South African
- Availability: 1 calendar months' notice
- ID Number: 9005290744085
- Location: Lutzville
- Gender: Female
- Race: African
- Licence: Code 8