Deogratias Bwalya
Lusaka,Zambia
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in mineral processing and plant metallurgy, complemented by a strong background in mine inspection and regulatory compliance. Demonstrates proficiency in project management and execution, feasibility studies, and technical audits, ensuring adherence to policy formulation and legislative development. Skilled in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, energy systems analysis, and transition planning. Adept at international stakeholder engagement and mineral trade valuation, driving data-driven decision making for optimal outcomes. Committed to metallurgical research and innovation while fostering training and mentorship to cultivate future industry leaders.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
2027
2027
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Principal Inspector - Large-Scale Mines
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Lusaka
01.2008 - 06.2025
- Lead government inspector overseeing all mining operations and mineral production audits nationwide.
- Monitor compliance with the Mines and Minerals Act and advise on penalties, permits, and production thresholds.
- Participate in strategic legislative reviews and amendments with technical working groups and Parliament.
- Evaluate export/import mineral values to aid ZRA in proper tax assessment and customs clearance.
- Support issuance of mineral processing, export, and scrap metal licenses.
- Drive clean energy transitions and environmental assessments through public-private mining partnerships.
Plant Metallurgist / Assistant Superintendent
Mopani Copper Mines PLC
, Zambia
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Spearheaded daily metallurgical operations within concentrator plant, focusing on optimizing copper recovery and overall plant efficiency.
- Led performance diagnostics and process audits, identifying key bottlenecks and implementing strategic improvement initiatives to boost throughput and reduce operational costs.
- Directed and supervised cross-functional shift teams, fostering culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement in line with Mopani's operational standards.
- Championed integration of process automation and data monitoring systems, ensuring real-time tracking of critical KPIs including recovery rates, reagent usage, and energy efficiency.
- Collaborated with engineering, maintenance, and project implementation teams to design and execute process upgrade projects that enhanced plant reliability and extended equipment lifespan.
- Played central role in maintaining regulatory compliance and reporting, aligning metallurgical practices with national safety, health, and environmental regulations.
- Mentored junior metallurgists and technicians, contributing to development of technical capacity and knowledge transfer across operational teams.
Plant Metallurgist / Assistant Superintendent
NFCA Mining PLC
Chambishi Mine
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Oversaw concentrator operations with full accountability for crushing, grinding, flotation, and dewatering.
- Managed metallurgical KPIs and implemented SCADA-based control systems for performance optimization.
- Led audits, troubleshooting, and training for operational teams to ensure continuous plant efficiency.
- Promoted safety-first culture in all shifts, contributing to reduced downtime and zero-fatality benchmarks.
Assistant Metallurgical Engineer
ZCCM Ltd - Nkana Division
Kitwe
01.1995 - 01.2000
- Assigned to Cobalt Plant and later promoted to manage Crushing Plant, Effluent Disposal, and Tailings Dams.
- Ensured metallurgical balance and SHERQ compliance, maintaining production integrity and audit readiness.
- Coordinated energy efficiency initiatives across units.
- Trained junior engineers and assisted in environmental sustainability reviews.
Education
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA - Candidate) -
ZCAS University
MSc - Sustainable Mineral Resource Development
University of Zambia / University of Cape Town / University of Dar es Salaam
MSc - Project Management
ZCAS University / University of Zambia
BEng - Metallurgy & Mineral Processing
Copperbelt University
Diploma - Metallurgy
Copperbelt University
Full Grade 12 Certificate - undefined
Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School
Skills
- Mineral Processing & Plant Metallurgy
- Mine Inspection & Regulatory Compliance
- Project Management & Execution
- Feasibility Studies & Technical Audits
- Policy Formulation & Legislative Development
- Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
- Energy Systems Analysis & Transition Planning
- Mineral Trade & Export Valuation
- International Stakeholder Engagement
- Metallurgical Research & Innovation
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Training & Mentorship
Websites
Affiliations
- Scrabble, Chess, Reading, Nature
Certification
- Board Member, Golden Lotus Insurance Zambia Ltd
Providing strategic direction and governance oversight in risk management, compliance, and corporate sustainability within the insurance sector. - Board Member, Africa Direction (Civil Society Organization)
Supporting community-driven development, youth empowerment, and civic advocacy through board-level leadership and program oversight. - Member, Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ)
Actively contributing to the advancement of the engineering profession and adherence to national technical standards. - Member, Engineers’ Registration Board (ERB)
Registered under the national regulatory body, ensuring compliance with engineering ethics, licensing, and professional development. - Member, Zambia Red Cross and Red Crescent Society
Participating in humanitarian initiatives and promoting community resilience through volunteerism and emergency response. - Member, Zambia Lawn Tennis Association
Involved in promoting and supporting the growth of tennis and wellness initiatives within the national sports community.
Selected Consulting & Strategic Engagements
- 2022, KAGEM Mining Ltd: Consultant - Regulatory Review
- 2021, MOPANI Copper Mine PLC: Technical Team
- 2018, Kalumbila Energy Transition Audit & EPF Review
- 2012-2017, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Zambia
- 2010-2014, SEED: Support to Economic Expansion & Diversification
- 2008-2012, PETRAD Oil & Gas Country Program
- 2008-2011, Mining Sector Diversification Project (MSDP)
- 2002, Sandvik Hydrocone Commissioning
- 1996-1997, Nkana Flotation Optimization Projects
- 1994, Calcium Sulphate Solubility Research - Mine Effluent
Personal Information
Title: Senior Principal Inspector - Large-Scale Mines
Nationality: Zambian
Timeline
Senior Principal Inspector - Large-Scale Mines
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
01.2008 - 06.2025
Plant Metallurgist / Assistant Superintendent
Mopani Copper Mines PLC
01.2004 - 01.2008
Plant Metallurgist / Assistant Superintendent
NFCA Mining PLC
01.2000 - 01.2004
Assistant Metallurgical Engineer
ZCCM Ltd - Nkana Division
01.1995 - 01.2000
MSc - Sustainable Mineral Resource Development
University of Zambia / University of Cape Town / University of Dar es Salaam
MSc - Project Management
ZCAS University / University of Zambia
BEng - Metallurgy & Mineral Processing
Copperbelt University
Diploma - Metallurgy
Copperbelt University
Full Grade 12 Certificate - undefined
Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA - Candidate) -
ZCAS University
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