KEBONE CAROL TEME
Metallurgical & Process Optimisation Expert
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Accomplished Technology Development Specialist and Metallurgical Engineer with over 18 years of progressive experience in mining, metals, and process optimisation. Adept at leading multi-disciplinary teams, executing research and development programs, and delivering operational excellence across mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and physical metallurgy. Proven track record in process flowsheet development, pilot plant campaigns, and operational optimisation for PGMs, base metals, gold, chrome, and industrial minerals. Recognised for combining technical expertise with strategic leadership, driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in complex operational environments. Experienced in ESG reporting, circular and modular process technologies, and precision processing to unlock value across mining operations. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, vendor management, and the translation of research into actionable business solutions.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Technology Development Specialist
Anglo American
10.2024 - Current
- Lead and oversee advanced mineral processing and technology development initiatives aimed at improving product recovery, optimising operational efficiency, and driving sustainable practices across mining operations.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Execute targeted research and innovation programs aligned with Group strategies and sustainability goals.
- Develop, test, and optimise precision, circular, and modular processing technologies.
- Manage laboratory vendors, ensuring accurate setup, operation, and analysis of testwork.
- Support technology deployment at mining assets, benchmarking performance against current and emerging processes.
- Collaborate with internal R&D teams to ensure predictive models align with asset valuation and operational forecasts.
- Engage stakeholders and vendors to drive adoption of new technologies and operational improvements.
- Achievements:
- Supported precision processing initiatives that improved recovery rates and co-product yield.
- Strengthened vendor and stakeholder engagement, accelerating pilot trial implementation.
Production Engineer (Chrome Beneficiation Plant)
Jubilee Metals Group
02.2023 - 09.2023
- Managed beneficiation operations, focusing on plant availability, efficiency, and compliance with health and safety standards.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor and manage KPIs: throughput, mass yield, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Lead plant supervisors and personnel to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
- Implement SOPs, continuous improvement initiatives, and technical problem-solving strategies.
- Control production budgets, performance metrics, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Achievements:
- Consistently achieved production targets with optimal resource utilisation.
- Implemented operational excellence projects enhancing plant efficiency and quality output.
Snr Metallurgist | Technical Support, R&D
Jubilee Metals Group
10.2019 - 01.2023
- Provided technical support, process optimisation, and research for mineral processing operations and new business development projects.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver technical consultation for PGMs, chrome, and base metals operations.
- Design metallurgical testwork for prefeasibility and feasibility studies.
- Develop process flowsheets for new and existing deposits to optimise plant design and performance.
- Conduct ESG benchmarking and support sustainability reporting for stakeholders.
- Prepare technical reports and deliver training to plant personnel.
- Achievements:
- Implemented flowsheet improvements, boosting operational efficiency and recovery rates.
- Established ESG baseline reporting to guide corporate sustainability initiatives.
Senior Engineer (Mineral Processing)
Mintek
12.2010 - 09.2019
- Specialised in Flotation projects and non-routine process development, managing projects, solving technical challenges, overseeing pilot plant operations, and mentoring teams while ensuring HSE compliance.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Provided technical consultation and support for Flotation and physical beneficiation processes.
- Optimised client operations through process improvement and technical problem-solving.
- Prepared project proposals, costings, and scope of work documentation.
- Conducted metallurgical test work, analysed results, and produced technical reports with recommendations.
- Designed process flow models, planned resources, and supervised projects to achieve efficiency and quality.
- Ensured HSE compliance via risk assessments, mini-HIRAs, job observations, and hazard reporting.
- Led pilot plant operations, guiding engineers, technicians, operators, and interns.
- Mentored and coached junior engineers, graduates, technicians, and interns to build team capability.
- Achievements:
- Delivered technical support and process optimisation for complex Flotation and beneficiation projects.
- Improved project efficiency and quality through structured planning and supervision.
- Developed a skilled, motivated team capable of achieving pilot plant and production targets.
Senior Engineer (Pyro-Metallurgy)
Mintek
08.2008 - 11.2010
- Delivered pyro-metallurgical technical solutions for ferro-alloys, base metals, and PGMs operations.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Design and optimise smelting processes, including slag database development.
- Prepare client proposals, manage projects, and deliver technical reports.
- Supervise engineers and technicians for operational excellence.
- Develop and implement process improvement plans based on pilot-plant and laboratory test results to optimise throughput, recovery, and resource utilisation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into existing operations, ensuring alignment with project timelines and budget constraints.
- Achievements:
- Minimised operational risks for new pyro-metallurgical processes.
- Streamlined client reporting and project delivery for faster implementation.
Production Plant Engineer
Arcelormittal
01.2007 - 07.2008
- Supervised hot metal desulphurisation and steelmaking processes to ensure quality, efficiency, and cost control.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Optimise molten iron desulphurisation and steelmaking processes.
- Track KPIs for steel, hot metal, alloy consumption, and yield.
- Implement quality control and cost-saving initiatives.
- Coordinate maintenance and calibration schedules for critical process equipment.
- Achievements:
- Improved plant yield and operational efficiency.
- Reduced operational costs while maintaining production quality.
Candidate Engineer
Arcelormittal
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Supported steelmaking and cold rolling operations, gaining experience in process optimisation, quality control, and metallurgical testing.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct plant trials, feasibility studies, and process optimisation projects.
- Investigate quality deviations and implement corrective actions.
- Train technicians and plant personnel in new procedures.
- Achievements:
- Contributed to steel quality improvement and operational cost reductions.
- Promoted to Production Plant Engineer for demonstrated technical and leadership ability.
Education
Master of Science - Industrial Engineering, Process Optimisation
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgy
04.2001 -
Skills
Mineral Processing & Metallurgical Operations (Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy, Physical Metallurgy)
Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement
Research & Development Strategy and Flowsheet Development
Project Management & Operational Excellence
Technical Advisory & Troubleshooting
Process Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
Data Analysis & Reporting Systems
Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE) Compliance
Cross-functional Team Leadership
Pre-feasibility & Feasibility Studies
Affiliations
SAIMM (South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy)
Certification
Management Advancement Programme
SHORT COURSES
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Preparation
- Business Writing and Communication
- Technical Report Writing
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)
- Emergency Preparedness
- Advanced Excel
- Assertiveness Training
Timeline
Technology Development Specialist - Anglo American
10.2024 - Current
Production Engineer (Chrome Beneficiation Plant) - Jubilee Metals Group
02.2023 - 09.2023
Snr Metallurgist | Technical Support, R&D - Jubilee Metals Group
10.2019 - 01.2023
Senior Engineer (Mineral Processing) - Mintek
12.2010 - 09.2019
Senior Engineer (Pyro-Metallurgy) - Mintek
08.2008 - 11.2010
Production Plant Engineer - Arcelormittal
01.2007 - 07.2008
Candidate Engineer - Arcelormittal
01.2005 - 12.2006
University of The Witwatersrand - Master of Science, Industrial Engineering, Process Optimisation
04.2001 -
University of Pretoria - Bachelor of Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgy
04.2001 -