Vusi Sibande
Plant Metallurgist
Lakeview
Summary
Analytical thinker with a proven ability to optimize processes in real-time and conduct in-depth data analysis. Passionate about leveraging innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and drive optimal results, consistently achieving more with less. A commitment to smart work and continuous improvement fuels the pursuit of excellence in every project. Skilled in transforming complex data into actionable insights that support informed decision-making.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Metallurgist (Act)
Central & Saaiplaas Plant
02.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, resulting in reduced cycle times and enhanced efficiency.
- Spearheaded research initiatives aimed at developing innovative metallurgical solutions, contributing to the company's competitive advantage in the market.
- Analyzed and interpreted metallurgical data, ensuring accuracy and reliability for decision-making processes across various projects.
Senior Metallurgist (Act)
Harmony One Plant
06.2024 - 01.2025
- Developed and implemented quality control protocols that enhanced material testing procedures, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Mentored junior metallurgists, fostering technical skills and knowledge transfer, which improved overall team productivity.
- Mentored junior metallurgists, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
- Conducted root cause analyses to address production issues and implement corrective actions swiftly.
- Analyze metallurgical data, trends, and performance reports to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
- Monitor and optimize the usage and costs of process reagents and consumables to maximize efficiency.
- Oversee and optimize gold extraction processes, including crushing, grinding, leaching (e.g., using cyanide), carbon adsorption, and final recovery circuits.
Plant Metallurgist
Central Plant
03.2017 - 06.2024
- In this role, I am responsible for monitoring and improving process efficiencies. I provide metallurgical support to the operational teams (in SMT and otherwise). I have assisted with digitizing logsheets, which makes them suitable as inputs to a data management system that automates daily, weekly, and monthly metallurgical reporting and forecasting.
- Developed and optimized metallurgical processes, enhancing product quality and reducing defects in production cycles.
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing innovative strategies that improved operational efficiency and reduced waste.
- Conducted comprehensive analyses of material properties, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing product performance.
- Mentored junior metallurgists, fostering skill development and promoting a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
Plant Metallurgist
Saaiplaas Plant & One Plant
06.2013 - 03.2017
- In this role, I worked towards modeling and simulation the comminution circuit using the population balance model. The purpose was to adequately understand the circuit dynamics so I could optimize the grind (at minimal cost).
Graduate Metallurgist
Doornkop Plant
12.2012 - 05.2013
- In this role worked through the metallurgical training workbook, this was an introductory role into the mining environment. It entailed activities such as working shifts, working with various departments, and learning what they do.
Education
B.Eng. - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Pretoria
01.2012
Skills
Power BI
Python
Website design and development
Metallurgical analysis
Process optimization
Collaborative teamwork
Data management systems
Metallurgical process modeling
Timeline
Senior Metallurgist (Act)
Central & Saaiplaas Plant
02.2025 - Current
Senior Metallurgist (Act)
Harmony One Plant
06.2024 - 01.2025
Plant Metallurgist
Central Plant
03.2017 - 06.2024
Plant Metallurgist
Saaiplaas Plant & One Plant
06.2013 - 03.2017
Graduate Metallurgist
Doornkop Plant
12.2012 - 05.2013
B.Eng. - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Pretoria