Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic
Thobeka Mahlangu

Thobeka Mahlangu

Metallurgist
Postmasburg

Summary

Forward-thinking Operations Specialist bringing 9 years of expertise in Mineral Beneficiation process for the mining sector businesses. A qualified Metallurgist who cultivates rapport with individuals to optimize production/project goals and output, resolve complex problems and deliver innovative improvement best practice solution. Proficient in production SCADA; Oracle and JDE software.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Relieving Production Superintendent

Assmang Khumani Iron Ore
1 2024 - Current

Appointed as succession candidate for Superintendent Production total relieving experience of 1.5 years

  • Analyzing and scrutinizing production reports
  • Advise Production foremen on plant recipe to ensure maximize yield and quality control
  • Analyzing trends and prepare corrective measures to address deviation
  • Grade control of Fe content through jigging process
  • Advise Foremans and Grade controller on parameters for jigs
  • Advise Plant Foreman’s on blending ratios from ROM stockpiles
  • Participate in cross functional meetings
  • Avail myself for sectional external audits and DMRE visit
  • Contractor management and assist in procurement process
  • Budget and cost control (Weekly monitoring of sectional budget, monitor overtime).
  • Provided technical expertise in resolving complex metallurgical issues, resulting in enhanced plant performance
  • Participated in safety audits, implementing recommendations to maintain safe working environment for all employees
  • Mentored junior Staff, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing within team
  • Participated in continuous improvement projects, identifying opportunities for enhancing plant performance and driving process improvements
  • Reduced operational costs by identifying areas for improvement and recommending cost-effective solutions
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for process optimization, leading to increased productivity and reduced downtime
  • Reviewed customer specifications to ensure compliance with their requirements, maintaining strong client relationships while meeting business objectives

Relieving Production Superintendent

Assmang Khumani Iron Ore
11.2019 - Current
  • Analyze feed and product qualities within section using online analyzers (Geo-scan) data and XRF sample results to ensure product is on specification
  • Manage team training against their development plans/goal
  • Manage and monitor shift production budget against target
  • Improved product quality with stringent quality control measures, detailed inspections, and employee training.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives that led to increased productivity.
  • Conducted root cause analysis on production issues and implemented corrective actions, minimizing recurrence of errors or defects.
  • Reduced expenses and increased productivity across production by performing equipment repairs and conducting regular tool maintenance.
  • Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality and throughput
  • Estimated labor requirements to support anticipated workload.
  • Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
  • Planned, organized and monitored resources to deliver efficient use of labor, equipment and materials.
  • Managed staff hiring, training and supervision.
  • Conducted performance reviews each quarter, offering praise and recommendations for improvement.
  • Led process improvement projects resulting production downtime and improved equipment utilization rates.
  • Oversaw workforce of 10 employees in WHIMS benefication process

Relieving Production Superintendent

Assmang Khumani Iron Ore
12.2017 - 10.2019
  • Communicate require crusher feed with Mining Supervisor
  • Identify and report any deviation on plant equipment’s and machinery against equipment standards
  • Monitor Plant new feed and tertiary recycle load and ensure quality On-grade feed is fed to section
  • Avail myself for Operational Monthly meeting with Head of Department and offer input and support in meeting
  • Inspection of plant sample cutters to prevent sample contamination
  • Manage and monitor shift production budget against target
  • Oversaw daily operations of department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
  • Enhanced communication within team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
  • Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.
  • Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures to increase effectiveness.
  • Developed staff skills through targeted training programs, resulting in improved performance and career growth opportunities.
  • Boosted team morale and performance, organizing regular training sessions and motivational meetings.
  • Oversaw compliance with industry regulations and company policies, ensuring safe and legal operational environment.
  • Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
  • Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
  • Oversaw workforce of 18 employees in processing department.

Plant Metallurgist

Rockwell Diamonds
08.2016 - 09.2017
  • Perform tracer test and technical reports on x-ray machines performance for management
  • Monitor screen panels conditions and report deviation to be addressed to prevent diamond loss
  • Compile and report daily Metallurgical Accounting and daily performance to Plant Manager
  • Assist production teams to determine suitable X-ray settings to achieve optimal diamond recovery and determine optimal operational settings
  • Collect belt cut to determine federate.
  • Provide metallurgical expertise, support to operation, and offer advice on plant settings
  • Optimized diamond recovery with thorough samples analysis and monitoring of plant operations.
  • Analyzed production data and trends, utilizing findings to optimize processes for maximum efficiency and output quality.
  • Calibrated and verified accuracy of density meters and belt scales.

Junior Metallurgist

Petra Diamonds Cullinan Diamond Mine
09.2013 - 09.2015
  • Update daily Metallurgical Accounting
  • Perform PSD analysis on plant samples
  • Collect belt cut samples when required
  • Sample collection and preparation
  • Determine moisture content; thickener or medium rheology; crusher efficiency and PSD analysis
  • Monitor cyclone conditions and measurement of critical parts
  • Conduct tracer test (sink and float test) at DMS plant for overall recovery and compile monthly technical report.
  • Conduct Bi-weekly plant audits and compile report for foreman’s, senior metallurgist, and Plant Manager
  • Monitor crushers gaps to control re-circulating load
  • Perform Metallurgical test work with Senior Met and Mintek.
  • Assisted in conjunction with Project Manager; Senior Metallurgist and Tomra sorting personnel pilot plant that utilize NIR/COLOR technology to sort
  • Presented project at SAIMM conference 2015; paper published following year
  • Give input, as and when required to Plant Supervisors, to ensure plant is operated at desired recipe
  • Identifying test work methodology and update SOPs
  • Update of process flow diagram when new process got introduced.
  • Presented research findings and technical recommendations to stakeholders through comprehensive reports, fostering informed decision-making.
  • Improved plant efficiency through optimization of process parameters, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
  • Performed investigation analysis on ferrosilicon consumptions problems and recommended corrective actions.

Education

Future Leaders Development (ARM) - Business Studies

University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
05.2022 - 11.2022

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration

University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesbrg
01.2021 - 03.2022

Bachelor’s in Technology Engineering Metallurgy - Engineering

Tshwane University of Technology
Tshwane
01.2014 - 12.2014

Grade 12 - undefined

Cultura High School

Skills

    Problem Solving & troubleshooting

    Coaching & Mentoring

    Budget Planning

    Interpersonal Skills

    Planning & Delegation

    Very good Presentation and communication skills

    Continuous improvement

    Decision Making

    Trend analysis and diagnoses

    Technical Reporting Writing

    Supervising and Leading

    Data Analysis and Interpretation

References

Available upon request

Timeline

Future Leaders Development (ARM) - Business Studies

University of The Witwatersrand
05.2022 - 11.2022

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration

University of The Witwatersrand
01.2021 - 03.2022

Relieving Production Superintendent

Assmang Khumani Iron Ore
11.2019 - Current

Relieving Production Superintendent

Assmang Khumani Iron Ore
12.2017 - 10.2019

Plant Metallurgist

Rockwell Diamonds
08.2016 - 09.2017

Bachelor’s in Technology Engineering Metallurgy - Engineering

Tshwane University of Technology
01.2014 - 12.2014

Junior Metallurgist

Petra Diamonds Cullinan Diamond Mine
09.2013 - 09.2015

Relieving Production Superintendent

Assmang Khumani Iron Ore
1 2024 - Current

Grade 12 - undefined

Cultura High School
Thobeka MahlanguMetallurgist