Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Wandile Ngobese

Plant Operator
Richards Bay,KZN

Summary

Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Skilled at investigating and resolving failures, reviewing materials choices and vetting suppliers. Achievements include shrinking approval windows and simplifying procedures to keep production on schedule. Accuracy-driven and hardworking with methodical and diligent approach.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Metallurgist Assistance

Tronox
03.2023 - Current
  • Established standard operating procedures for laboratory testing protocols, guaranteeing reproducibility of results across multiple sites.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative metallurgical solutions for complex projects.
  • Achieved consistent product quality by implementing rigorous quality control measures.
  • Conducted root cause analyses to address production issues and implement corrective actions swiftly.
  • Calibrated and verified accuracy of density meters and cyanide analyzers.
  • Coordinated failure analysis investigations to identify root causes and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
  • Enhanced metallurgical processes by troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems.
  • Supervised work of technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists.
  • Designed experiments to investigate new processing methods or material formulations, contributing to ongoing process innovation efforts within the organization.
  • Evaluated supplier materials for quality assurance purposes, maintaining strong relationships with key vendors while upholding high standards of excellence.
  • Gathered and organized material samples to use in third-party testing, evaluated results and reported on findings to optimize materials choices.
  • Presented technical findings to internal stakeholders and external clients, showcasing expertise and driving business growth.
  • Championed safety initiatives, resulting in reduced workplace accidents and incidents.
  • Reviewed customer requirements and provided expert guidance on alloy selection based on specific application needs.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.

Plant Operator

Tronox
10.2015 - Current
  • Monitored flows, pressures, chemical feeds levels, and water quality indicators.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Increased plant efficiency by monitoring and adjusting equipment settings as needed.
  • Implemented process changes.
  • Followed plant safety procedures, rules, and regulations.
  • Conducted safety inspections and followed safety rules and procedures.
  • Compiled reports analyzing performance data and presented findings and results.
  • Conducted thorough root cause analyses resulting in identification of areas requiring improvement in plant operations.
  • Improved overall plant performance through proactive maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment issues.
  • Made appropriate repair recommendations for malfunctioning equipment.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols and conducting regular inspections.
  • Optimized production processes by collaborating with engineers to implement process improvements.
  • Verified conformity of processes and conditions for HTR systems.
  • Promoted continuous improvement mindset among team members through open communication channels and constructive feedback provision.
  • Knowledgeable of machine maintenance in order to troubleshoot effectively.
  • Exceeded quality control standards by maintaining strict attention to detail during production processes and final product testing.
  • Performed minor mechanical work and routine equipment maintenance.
  • Adhered to EPA and OSHA regulations.
  • Adjusted and maintained plant equipment for safety and performance.
  • Assisted in the training of new operators to ensure smooth integration into the work environment and consistent operational excellence.
  • Handled preventive and corrective maintenance to maintain proper equipment safety and functionality.
  • Quickly shut down equipment in emergency situations following protocols.
  • Managed and monitored processes and machine systems by observing readings on control boards.
  • Reduced downtime by quickly identifying and resolving equipment malfunctions or failures.
  • Retrieved and performed required tests for quality and integrity on product samples.
  • Suggested specific ideas for process, productivity and safety improvements.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for seamless coordination of activities throughout the facility.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.

Plant Operator

Richards Bay Minerals
01.2014 - 09.2015


„ Continuously liaise and address any arising matters with the plant.

„ Service providers to ensure all the SLAs are maintained and adhered to as recommended (Lab, plant manager, plant operators, plant supervisors, geologist, mine planner, process improvement support).

„ Specialized knowledge and skill in design, repair, and troubleshooting of high voltage equipment and control systems.

„ Responsible for taking samples and sending to the laboratory for analysis and grade control.

„ Responsible to control and oversee quality of production in the dry mill circuit.

„ Assure plant control and product quality output.

„ Recommend numerous suggestions for constant improvement.

„ Responsible for conveyor belts calibration by doing calculations and coordinating with instrumentation technicians.

„ Monitored flows, pressures, chemical feeds levels, and water quality indicators.




Education

Associate of Engineering - Process Controller

Richtek
Richards Bay, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Physical Metallurgy
  • Performance monitoring
  • Multitasking
  • Effective Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Metallurgical Testing
  • Project Planning
  • Metallographic techniques
  • Surface Engineering
  • Metallurgical Analysis
  • Problem-solving abilities

Accomplishments

  • Was part of the Zircon 200 tons Kaizen Team in 2018
  • From 01/03/2023 till 01/09/2024 acted as a metallurgical Assistance in whole of MSP, Reductant, Slag plant and uric plant (my job entailed taking samples, splitting, conducting plants surveys, doing belt calibration calculations, addressing shift guys on findings I find in the plant and communicate on the changes that needs to be done)
  • 5 S champion in my shift and in my current Acting Position
  • Worked an extra Mile to help weigh bridge when it was short staffed.
  • Currently reinstated and working as a Metallurgical assistant as from 1 April 2024- 1 September2024
  • Currently doing My Mining Studies
  • Part of the supervisory Pull Training that was conducted 2022

Timeline

Senior Metallurgist Assistance

Tronox
03.2023 - Current

Plant Operator

Tronox
10.2015 - Current

Plant Operator

Richards Bay Minerals
01.2014 - 09.2015

Associate of Engineering - Process Controller

Richtek
04.2001 -
Wandile NgobesePlant Operator