Thembelani Mdluli
Mining Engineer
Hillview
Summary
Results-driven and safety-focused Mining Engineer with over 3 years of hands-on experience across open-pit and underground operations, mine planning, production supervision, and drilling & blasting. Proven track record in optimizing production efficiency, minimizing downtime, and implementing environmental compliance in high-pressure mining environments. Adept in using SURPAC and electronic initiation systems (IntelliShot, AXXIS). Demonstrated leadership in coordinating cross-functional teams, improving fleet utilization, and driving continuous improvement projects. Currently seeking a mining engineering opportunity where innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence are valued.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
2018
2018
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Acting Mine Coordinator – Production
Tronox KZN Sands
03.2025 - Current
- Oversee daily mining operations; ensured safety compliance and production targets.
- Enhance equipment utilization and supervising all operations across multiple shifts.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Mining Engineer: PIT
Tronox KZN Sands
11.2024 - Current
- Lead operational planning and mine coordination for daily mineral sands extraction.
- Monitor fleet performance (ADTs, excavators), achieving significant productivity improvements.
- Interface with geology and metallurgy teams to ensure seamless material flow and grade control.
Acting Mine Planner
Tronox KZN Sands
12.2024 - 01.2025
- Delivered short- and medium-term mine plans using SURPAC and scheduling tools.
- Created pit layouts, haul roads, and waste dump designs aligned to monthly production goals.
Mining Engineering Day Shift Supervisor
Nasonti Technical Services
07.2024 - 10.2024
- Directed surface coal operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety.
- Conducted geological inspections and supported short-term planning for coal extraction.
- Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising service quality or operational efficiency by identifying areas of potential waste reduction or resource optimization opportunities.
Millwright Assistant
Trident Steel Africa
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Assisted with maintenance and repair of overhead cranes and factory machinery.
- Contributed to minimizing downtime and improving mechanical reliability.
- Assisted with the disassembly of machinery during decommissioning projects, ensuring proper handling and disposal of components per company guidelines.
Blasting Technician-Trainer and Troubleshooter
AECI Mining
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Delivered technical support for underground and open-pit blasting using DetNet systems.
- Utilized ViewShot and BlastWeb for blast designs, real-time monitoring and performance analysis and trained Mining personnel.
- Achieved 100% successful blast rates while maintaining safety and fragmentation standards.
Explosives & Blasting Engineer Intern
BME
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed daily operations in explosives technology including blast design and monitoring.
- Led a blasting crew of 24 assistants and 6 blasters, executing over 50 successful blasts.
- Initiated environmental safety programs including dust suppression and stemming plugs.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) - Mining Engineering
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2017 - 01.2020
National Senior Certificate - Maths & Science, 84% Average
Pongola Inter School
Pongola 11-2015
Skills
Mine Planning & Design (SURPAC)
Certification
120-Hour TEFL Certificate
Project Highlights
- Fairbreeze Mine Fleet Optimization, 2025, Improved utilization of ADTs and tracked equipment KPIs, enhancing scheduling and maintenance.
- Heleza Moya Open-pit Development, 2025, Spearheaded early-stage planning and led excavation phases of a new open-pit mining project.
- Environmental Compliance Program – Gamsberg Mine, 2022, Reduced fly rock and dust levels using innovative stemming plug and reactive ground strategies.
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 21 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with team of 10 in the development of Heleza Moya Project.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Software
Surpac
Axxis
IntelliShot
SAP
Thingswork
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteTimeline
Acting Mine Coordinator – Production
Tronox KZN Sands
03.2025 - Current
Acting Mine Planner
Tronox KZN Sands
12.2024 - 01.2025
Mining Engineer: PIT
Tronox KZN Sands
11.2024 - Current
Mining Engineering Day Shift Supervisor
Nasonti Technical Services
07.2024 - 10.2024
Millwright Assistant
Trident Steel Africa
01.2024 - 06.2024
Blasting Technician-Trainer and Troubleshooter
AECI Mining
11.2022 - 05.2023
Explosives & Blasting Engineer Intern
BME
10.2021 - 10.2022
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) - Mining Engineering
University of Johannesburg
04.2017 - 01.2020
National Senior Certificate - Maths & Science, 84% Average
Pongola Inter School
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