Alex Chiyesu

Transitioned to the role of project Metallurgist managing all the reagents with an addition of running projects to do with debottlenecking of plant operation.

Duties:

• Selecting appropriate reagents for the processing of ores, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and minimal environmental impact.
• Optimizing process conditions to enhance metal recovery and processing efficiency with these reagents.
• Cost management, analyzing and controlling reagent expenses to ensure operations are economically viable.
• Ensuring environmental compliance, choosing eco-friendly reagents and managing their safe usage and disposal.
• Quality and supply management, liaising with suppliers to guarantee the consistent quality and availability of reagents.
• Research and development, spearheading projects to find new reagents and improve processing techniques.
• Team collaboration and training, ensuring all staff are knowledgeable about the correct handling and application of reagents.
• Project management, planning and overseeing projects related to process improvement, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet project objectives.
• Reporting and documentation, maintaining detailed records on reagent performance, project progress, and financials for management and stakeholder.
• Coordinating other departmental personnel like engineering to ensure tasks allocated to them are done in a timely manner.

• Managed a team of laboratory technicians, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasized accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversaw the maintenance and operation of analytical instruments, including Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and LECO analyzers that made the availability of the instruments to about 95%
• Quality Control (QC): Implemented and monitored quality control procedures to maintain accuracy and reliability in analytical results. This included regular calibration of equipment, validation of testing methods, and adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Quality Assurance (QA): Developed and enforced quality assurance policies and procedures that ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. This involved conducting audits, reviewing documentation, and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Assay Approval: Reviewed and approved assay results before they were reported to customers. This involved ensuring that all assays meet quality standards and were accurately interpreted
• Customer Reporting: Generated and delivered assay reports to customers in a timely manner. Communicated assay results clearly and effectively, addressing any questions or concerns raised by customers.

• Assisted in the supervision of lab activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Played a key role in the training and development of new staff members, particularly in the areas of analysis, sample preparation and data management.
• Contributed to the optimization of laboratory workflows, resulting in a 15% increase in analytical throughput.

• Conducted routine sample analyses using AAS, ICP, and XRF methodologies.
• Specific analyses did were;(1) analysis of copper concentrates by EG, Short Iodide and XRF methods (2) Analysis of total copper and acid soluble in geological samples by AAS, (3) Analysis of sulphur by lecco, (4) analysis of gold by fire assay followed by AAS/ICP finish. (5) Analysis of gold in Bullion samples by gravimetric finish. (6) analysis of total and dissolved elements in environmental samples using AAS/ICP. (7) Analysis of impurities in copper cathodes and anodes using OES.
• Maintained laboratory equipment, performing regular calibrations and minor repairs to ensure optimal performance.
• Assisted in the implementation of new testing protocols and safety procedures.

• Managed the laboratory's database, ensuring the accurate entry and analysis of data from various analytical instruments.
• Generated reports and presented findings to the laboratory management and other stakeholders.
• Streamlined data processing procedures, enhancing the lab's overall efficiency.
• Managed interlabs through preparation of memos and dispatch.

• Prepared ore samples for analysis, following strict protocols to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Logged sample information into the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Collaborated with samplers and analysts to troubleshoot any discrepancies in sample preparation or analysis.

• Collected ore samples from various locations within the mine, adhering to established sampling techniques and schedules.
• Labeled and transported samples to the laboratory for further analysis.
• Participated in the development of more efficient sampling methods and strategies.