Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Fridah Kangomu

Solwezi,SOLWEZI

Summary

Results-driven Senior Metallurgist with over [10] years of experience in hydrometallurgical process development, optimization, and plant operations across base and precious metal extraction. Proven expertise in leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electro winning techniques, with a strong focus on improving recovery rates, reducing operating costs, and enhancing environmental compliance. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, implementing pilot plant studies, and translating laboratory findings into full-scale operations. Recognized for technical leadership, data-driven decision-making, and driving innovation in metallurgical processes within complex, fast-paced mining environments.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Plant Controller

Kansanshi Mine PLC
SOLWEZ, North-Western Province
12.2014 - Current
  • Monitor and control crushing circuit performance (primary, secondary, crushers) to achieve target throughput, product size, and crusher availability and Optimize feed rate, screen efficiency, and crusher settings (e.g., CSS, throw, speed) to maintain consistent plant performance.
  • Oversee daily filter pressure operations to ensure efficient solid-liquid separation, optimal cake dryness, and clear filtrate quality.
  • Diagnose process or equipment issues such as blinding, poor cake formation, slurry channeling, or excessive moisture in the filter cake.
  • Implement corrective actions and long-term solutions to recurring filtration problems.
  • Work with control room operators and maintenance to resolve downtime or performance dips.
  • Analyze process trends and recommend improvements to increase throughput, reduce moisture content, and minimize cycle times.
  • Monitor and optimize autoclave operating conditions (temperature, pressure, and acid concentration, residence time) to maximize metal recovery.
  • Significant Improvement in Metal Recovery Rates
    Successfully optimized pressure leaching parameters, leading to a 10-15% increase in metal recovery (e.g., gold, copper), which boosted overall plant profitability.
  • Implemented process modifications that reduced metal losses in tailings by 20%, enhancing resource utilization.
  • Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction
  • Led a project to optimize reagent usage, achieving a 25% reduction in reagent consumption without compromising recovery, saving substantial operational costs.
  • Improved plant throughput by fine-tuning slurry density and retention times, resulting in
  • Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions in real-time and Conduct mass balances and metallurgical accounting to ensure process integrity.
  • Analyze metallurgical data to improve throughput, recovery, and product quality and Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as extraction efficiency, acid consumption, and equipment availability.
  • Led budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to support operational decision-making.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance inventory management strategies.
  • Analyzed production costs and identified areas for efficiency improvements.
  • Developed and implemented financial reporting processes to optimize resource allocation.

Process Controller

Barrick Operations
KALUMBILA, KALUMBILA
04.2008 - 12.2014
  • Track and analyze costs related to extraction, smelting, refining, and alloy production.
  • Developed and implemented enhanced cost tracking methods for raw materials, reagents, and energy usage, improving cost allocation accuracy by 20-30%.
  • Standardized metallurgical accounting procedures across multiple plants, leading to consistent and reliable financial reporting.
  • Introduced a comprehensive system to track metal losses and recoveries throughout the production cycle, reducing unaccounted metal losses by 15%.
  • Collaborated with operations to reconcile metallurgical data with accounting records, improving the precision of inventory valuation and metal accounting.
  • Automated reconciliation of metallurgical inventory data with financial records, decreasing reconciliation time by 40% and reducing discrepancies.
    Calculate and allocate direct and indirect costs for mining and metallurgical operations.
  • Maintain standard costs for raw materials (ores, chemicals), labor, energy, and overhead.
  • Prepare cost variance reports to identify inefficiencies in metallurgical processes.
  • Assist in pricing decisions based on metal market fluctuations and production costs.
  • Analyze waste, scrap, and yield losses during metallurgical processing.
  • Created a cross-training program ensuring FOH staff members were able to perform confidently and effectively in all positions.

Education

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
SOLWEZI
05.2025

DIPLOMA - ACCOUNTS

NIEC SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING
NDOLA
11.2007

GRADE 12 CERTIFICATE - HIGH SCHOOL

SOLWEZI TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
SOLWEZI
01.2004

Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skill
  • Proficient in Solid works
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel
  • Experienced with Microsoft Project
  • Proficient in using ANSYS software
  • Knowledgeable in SCADA Systems
  • Experienced in AutoCAD
  • Proficient in PRONTO IX
  • Skilled in SAP
  • Strong mentoring abilities
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Poised under pressure

Timeline

Plant Controller

Kansanshi Mine PLC
12.2014 - Current

Process Controller

Barrick Operations
04.2008 - 12.2014

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY

DIPLOMA - ACCOUNTS

NIEC SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING

GRADE 12 CERTIFICATE - HIGH SCHOOL

SOLWEZI TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

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