Mutshidzi Singo
Project Metallurgist
JOHANNESBURG
Summary
Experienced metallurgist with a strong background in onsite testwork, plant circuit optimization, and profiling exercises across various locations in Africa. Specialized in gold testwork using cutting-edge technologies like Aachen reactor, oxygen uptake rate methods and cyanide destruction techniques, resulting in significant improvements in recovery rates and operational cost reductions. Skilled in project leadership, research execution, and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards. Seeking new opportunities to apply technical expertise and leadership abilities to drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Project Metallurgist
Maelgwyn South Africa (MSA)
Gauteng
01.2022 - Current
- Lead and manage engineering research and feasibility study projects, involving bioleaching, refractory gold leaching, and tailings reclamation treatment, ensuring compliance with SHEQ requirements
- Formulate research directives, design test work campaigns, and oversee project execution, incorporating techno-economic assessments and risk management
- Conduct onsite metallurgical testwork, plant audits, and process evaluations for gold and uranium operations across Africa
- Prepare and manage R&D project proposals, optimize workflows, and establish operating procedures
- Design and oversee experimental work, analyze metal balances, and enhance process efficiency
- Provide metallurgical training, assist with laboratory setups, and recommend equipment for clients
- Collaborate on plant parameter monitoring and optimize analytical instruments, including oxygen meters and cyanide analyzers
- Supervise junior staff, coordinate cross-functional teams, and contribute to intellectual property development and technical reporting
Junior Metallurgist
Maelgwyn South Africa (MSA)
Gauteng
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Manage R&D projects on different metallurgical processes, including mine effluent treatment, MMSA Aachen technologies, and refractory gold leaching, ensuring SHEQ compliance
- Develop and implement procedures for cyanide destruction and Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) testing for accurate oxygen plant design
- Supervise junior staff, provide training, write SOPs, and coordinate teams to achieve project objectives
- Optimize plant circuits through site visits, profiling, and collaboration with production teams to improve processes and ensure stable performance
- Conduct mineralogical analysis using advanced equipment (AAS, XRF, XRD, ICP-OES, SEM) to guide process development
- Author technical reports and proposals, effectively communicating complex findings
- Monitor and optimize plant parameters and analytical instruments, such as oxygen meters and cyanide analyzers, to enhance accuracy
Plant Metallurgist
PanAfrican Barberton Mines
Mpumalanga
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Monitor and optimize gold processing circuits, ensuring efficient recovery rates and process stability
- Investigate and mitigate water quality issues affecting leach circuits, enhancing operational reliability
- Coordinate sample preparation and submission for lab testing, ensuring accuracy and procedural compliance
- Study plant operations and design process flow diagram, translating process requirements into detailed P&ID drawings
- Monitor and control BIOX plants, ensuring efficient processes and the sustainability of microbial cultures
- Oversee detox and arsenic destruction circuits, addressing issues to maintain environmental compliance
- Conduct successful Aachen test work, improving sulfide oxidation efficiency and enhancing gold recovery
Metallurgy Intern
Maelgwyn Mineral Service Africa
Gauteng
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Metallurgical Laboratory operator
- Analytical methods development and analyst
- SOP writing of different laboratory methods to ensure compliance and ISO certification
- Participated in the implementation of Distilled water production, setup procedure and quality control systems
In-Service Training
Mineral Processing and Technology Research Center
Gauteng
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Production of Biochar from Macadamia nutshells
- Overseeing analytical equipment operation including Malvern PSD analyser, XRF, XRD, FTIR, SEM, Mosbauer spectrometry and establishing procedures
Education
Bachelor of Technology in Extraction Metallurgy - Extractive Metallurgy
University of Johannesburg
Gauteng, South Africa 01.2019 - 12.2019
NDip in Extraction Metallurgy - Extractive Metallurgy
University of Johannesburg
Gauteng, South Africa 01.2014 - 12.2017
Skills
Engineering and Project Management
Research and Development Project Management
Techno-economic Analysis
SHEQ compliance
ISO certification
Team Leadership & Training
Microsoft
Accomplishments
- Presented findings on oxygen uptake rate methods at the SAIMM YPC Conference 2023.
- Published a paper on cyanide destruction methods at the World Gold 2023 conference.
Professionalregistrations
- ECSA Candidate Engineering Technologist, 2021402961
- SAIMM Associate member, 710644
Timeline
Project Metallurgist
Maelgwyn South Africa (MSA)
01.2022 - Current
Plant Metallurgist
PanAfrican Barberton Mines
03.2021 - 08.2021
Junior Metallurgist
Maelgwyn South Africa (MSA)
01.2020 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Technology in Extraction Metallurgy - Extractive Metallurgy
University of Johannesburg
01.2019 - 12.2019
Metallurgy Intern
Maelgwyn Mineral Service Africa
01.2018 - 12.2018
In-Service Training
Mineral Processing and Technology Research Center
01.2017 - 12.2017
NDip in Extraction Metallurgy - Extractive Metallurgy
University of Johannesburg
01.2014 - 12.2017