Thabang Magashule
Metallurgist
Vanderbijlpark
Summary
Vision-driven Metallurgist with over seven years of progressive experience in the mining and metals industry, specializing in PGM processing, secondary steelmaking, hot rolling of specialized steels, and quality assurance. Proven track record in technical project leadership, quality management systems, and continuous improvement initiatives across major operations at ArcelorMittal SA, Samancor Chrome WCM, and Scaw Metals. Utilizes strategic thinking and communication to streamline processes and enhance productivity. Adept at metallurgical investigations, process optimization, and customer-focused problem solving, ensuring compliance with ISO (9001, 14001, 45001) and ASTM standards. Skilled in data analysis, report writing, and cross-functional collaboration, with hands-on experience in equipment maintenance, mechanical testing, and product development trials. Currently enrolled in a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and holds a Bachelor of Technology in Metallurgy, combining technical expertise with strong business acumen to drive operational excellence and strategic growth. Fluent in multiple languages and passionate about innovation in mineral processing and steel manufacturing.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
6
6
Languages
Work History
Junior Manager
Arcelor Mittal SA
07.2024 - Current
- I develop and improve quality management system documentation, including work instructions, procedures, process control plans and process FMEAs enabling efficient production & dispatch adherence
- I oversee equipment maintenance and assure availability of consumables and other resources while sticking to the OPEX & CAPEX budgets
- I develop and execute inspection plans and conduct metallurgical and mechanical tests on materials to verify conformance to specifications
- I perform investigations in cases of customer complaints or field failures and internal rejections/ failures to get to the root causes
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients through excellent communication and service quality, fostering long-term loyalty.
- I support product development initiatives by conducting investigations, updating product improvements, routes, proformas and BOM
- I am responsible to drive ISO (9001, 14001 & 45001) & various ASTM standards for effective QM systems
- I engage the team in identifying and implementing continuous improvement projects in the areas of safety, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction
- Optimized inventory control processes, minimizing stock discrepancies and maximizing cost savings.
- Streamlined office operations for increased efficiency and reduced overhead costs.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors or suppliers, ensuring cost-effective procurement of goods or services.
- Monitored project progress to keep tasks on track and meet deadlines using agile project management techniques.
- Established efficient workflows within the team by utilizing task delegation techniques based on individual strengths and skills.
- Led the recruitment process for junior staff positions, attracting top talent into the organization.
- Provided ongoing project status reports and development updates to stakeholders to create accountability and ownership within team.
Candidate Technician - Metallurgy
Arcelor Mittal SA
06.2022 - 06.2024
- I lead technical projects at the NC steel plant, Vaal Meltshop and Bar Mill while being based at QM
- I provided technical support to the scrap yard, EAF, ladle furnaces, continuous casting and ingot casting
- I carried out stock taking of raw material, fluxes and alloys and communicated with suppliers for delivery
- I monitored the billet quality of the special steels casted and investigated their defects
- I provided technical support to inline and final inspections and ensured overall product quality is of a standard
- I conduct product developmental trials
- I conducted Metallurgical Investigations for internal and external quality issues
- I reviewed policies, Working Instructions and HIRAs
- I drove AMSAs safety standards through VFL, LPA, shop floor audits, DRMs and safety stops
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis on malfunctioning equipment.
- Increased customer satisfaction with prompt and knowledgeable support for various technical issues.
- Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.
Metallurgical Lab Assistant
Arcelor Mittal SA
10.2021 - 05.2022
- I collected steel samples from various plants
- I cut, milled, grinded and polished steel samples and prepared them for various physical and chemical testing
- I minimized laboratory errors through diligent documentation of test pieces and test results
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Actively participated in lab safety inspections, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions promptly.
- Facilitated timely completion of experiments by maintaining a well-organized workspace and efficient workflow.
- Trained new laboratory personnel on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistent performance across team members.
Production Learner
Arcelor Mittal SA
01.2020 - 09.2021
- I inspected finished coils to verify conformance to quality standards
- I was the second heater for 3 pusher furnaces and 1 walking beam furnace
- I hourly inspected the furnaces and reported deviations
- I operated overhead crane to remove scale buckets, irregular slabs/ coils and general maintenance assistance
- I assisted in finishing mill roll changeover while using cutting torch to cut hot strip mill scrap
Metallurgist Trainee
Samancor WCM
03.2018 - 03.2019
- I lead projects at the Heavy Medium Separator, Dense Medium Separator, beneficiation and gravity separation spiral plants
- Support metallurgical and process engineering activities
- I improved Ferro Chrome production and recovery
- Analyze and interpret material performance and quality data.
- Assist with process optimization, technical investigations, and reporting.
- Engage with cross-functional teams to support production and project activities.
- I compiled daily mass balance on quality band and monitored
- I stepped in as shift supervisor and carried shift handover
- I played a general operator role on all the plants
- Improved plant efficiency through the optimization of process parameters, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
- Developed and implemented metrics and methods to improve metals, making metals sturdier and adaptable to surroundings.
- Utilized SPC charts and experimental trials to make continual product improvements.
Production Learner
Scaw Metals
09.2017 - 02.2018
- I compiled daily portfolio of evidence
- I trained as milling operator
- I worked shutdown as general worker
- I did house keeping around the shop floor
- I maintained the safety standards
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
University of Witwatersrand
03.2025
Bachelor of Technology - Metallurgy
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa01.2021
Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety
AETA Training Solutions
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa 04.2001 -
National Certificate - Metal Production - Manufacturing and Engineering
ArcelorMittal SA
Vanderbijlpark09.2020
National Diploma - Metallurgical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa03.2019
High School Diploma -
Suidelig High School
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Influential
Report writing and presenting
Metallurgical Investigations
Data analysis & problem solving
Idea/ skill learning
Computer proficient, MS package, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): SAP, MES and NIPPS, Power BI, Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Experience in Agile Project Management
Quality Inspection
Metallurgical & mechanical testing
Sample preparation & handling
Equipment maintenance
Team coordination
Compliance management
Stakeholder management
Human relations skills
Project management experience
Staff development
Accomplishments
- I outlaid parameters to improved beneficiation throughput from over 40% recirculation load (RCL) to below 28% RCL
- I configured metallurgical properties of steel products to meet various industry standards in terms of internal structure, surface quality, dimensions and customer processability
- I improve metallurgical concentration grade at the concentrator from 32% to 36% Cr while minimizing tailings waste material
- I reduced the scratchmark rejection rate experienced at the Bar Mill from over 35% to below 25% while improving inspection to prevent surface imperfection enquiries raised by customers
- I reduced the mixing of quality grades from 4 per quarter to 3 per quarter
References
Available on request
Timeline
Junior Manager
Arcelor Mittal SA
07.2024 - Current
Candidate Technician - Metallurgy
Arcelor Mittal SA
06.2022 - 06.2024
Metallurgical Lab Assistant
Arcelor Mittal SA
10.2021 - 05.2022
Production Learner
Arcelor Mittal SA
01.2020 - 09.2021
Metallurgist Trainee
Samancor WCM
03.2018 - 03.2019
Production Learner
Scaw Metals
09.2017 - 02.2018
Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety
AETA Training Solutions
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Suidelig High School
04.2001 -
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
University of Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Technology - Metallurgy
Tshwane University of Technology
National Certificate - Metal Production - Manufacturing and Engineering
ArcelorMittal SA
National Diploma - Metallurgical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology