Musonda Banda

Work as a permanent employee with various experiences from working at open pit, Nchanga underground, Power distribution department, Motor rewind department, Energy and Protection department, and smelter department in the mining industry. Through this time worked on the following:

• Leveraged mastery of AutoCAD Electrical Toolset, Microstation, and ETAP to develop and document single-line electrical schematics.
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of high-voltage and low-voltage AC motors for Pump Chamber Dewatering, DC motors, and DC generators for the Winder Hoisting system.
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of high-voltage and low-voltage transformers.
• Utilized various electrical tools and equipment to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical problems.
• Provided technical support on the determination of electric insulation strength of transformers (oil condition/analysis) using an oil tester with condition-based monitoring maintenance.
• Supervised and provided on-site engineering and technical service on Cable jointing of 11kV cables and termination at Open Pit.
• Established Design, Construction, and Installation requirements for high-voltage (11kV and 33kV) overhead lines at Nchanga Open Pit.
• Delivered high-quality documentation including schematics, bill of materials, and test reports to support engineering projects effectively.
• Inspected and performed validation testing through thermographic survey (thermography) of overhead lines and switchgear to determine any hotspots (loose connections) that could lead to energy losses.
• Maintenance of high-voltage, and low-voltage Substations, overhead cranes, variable frequency drives, and Direct online starters.
• Performed in-depth Earth resistance testing of earth pits using a Fluke 1623 earth ground tester and insulation resistance testing of transformer and motors.
• Assisted in the Rewinding of 550V Low Voltage motors at motor rewind shop.
• Completed High voltage switching course awaiting government Inspector’s final assessment.
• Adhered to maintenance schedules generated from the SAP system and ensured all maintenances was carried out.
• Stock monitoring of critical spares by providing equipment specifications/datasheets for procurement to ensure availability to reduce any downtime on equipment.
• Defined and reviewed Key Performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluation of maintenance.
• Performed Root cause analysis (RCAs) on breakdowns of equipment.
• Evaluated project scope to estimate costs and set timelines for project delivery.
• Evaluated and analyzed Purchase Requisitions (PRs) for different contract projects during construction phases to ensure proper execution of designs according to established specifications and plans.
• Load Flow analysis and calculations of electrical networks in the Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP)
• High Voltage Protection Simulation using ETAP software, analyzed, installed, and set protection relays for underground pump chamber power network.
• Enhanced Protection Coordination efficiency by implementing ETAP simulation software and debugging techniques.
• Increased Protection system reliability through thorough settings adjustments(Overcurrent, Earth fault, and Overload parameters), secondary injection testing of relays, and validation.
• Worked on setting up feeder (MIFII, CDGs, Siemens, ABB) and motor protection relays (239, 339, P&B Gold).
• Programmed protection relays using their related manufacturers' software (enerVista MII, enerVista 3 series) using IEC and ANSI international standards
• Tested Earth leakage relays.
• Identified opportunities for instrumentation process improvements, and implemented changes to Rs Logix 5000 for Allen Bradley PLC for temperature sensors and transmitters and their related Panel View 1000 that increased overall operational efficiency within the company.
• Used Panel Builder 32 software to create two-dimensional prototype designs for Panel View 1000.
• Developed a water monitoring system (SCADA) for the pump chamber underground with RSView 32 software-based HMI through RSLinx.
• Ensured compliance with company standards and safety regulations throughout the design process, resulting in successful project outcomes.
• Calibrated and repaired temperature, and level transmitter using Hart communicator to maintain functionality for the Underground Pump Chamber.
• Maintenance and Installation of instrumentation instruments e.g. Transmitter, RTDs, Paperless recorder.
• Optimized energy consumption in projects by incorporating BB Energy's energy meters to monitor consumption and maximum Demand through SCADA.
• Presented findings from Power Quality analysis of motors and other loads using a power quality meter to determine power factor correction through calculations of energy and power parameters with results logged on Power log 430-II software.
• Developed innovative solutions for energy conservation, contributing to sustainable engineering practices through Energy-saving strip lights for Underground Haulages.
• Knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting of the Winder Hoisting system.
• Ensuring safety at the workplace through daily safety meetings and safety procedures are adhered to
• Carried out inspections at the workplace to ensure HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) was maintained and interacted with workers on challenges being faced in the section through visible felt leadership (VFLs).
• Developed and implemented preventive maintenance and operational procedures for electrical systems to reduce hazards with upgraded safety policies.
• Enhanced safety measures in designs by thoroughly analyzing potential risks and implementing preventive strategies e.g. Risk assessments.
• Developed engineering documentation detailing system requirements, status of plant, breakdowns, and diagnostic procedures.
• Actively participated in technical and safety training workshops to stay current on industry trends, ensuring relevant skill set development.
• Mentored Intern engineers in job-specific tasks and application of electrical processes.
• Currently a section Engineer of Energy, Protection, and Instrumentation at KMRL Nchanga underground.

During this time, worked at Nchanga Smelter at substation 2 (SS2).

• Completed wiring and laying of electrical cable at a new 220V substation supplying an anode furnace.
• Increased equipment reliability by participating in regular maintenance activities and promptly addressing any identified issues.
• Completed preventive maintenance on motors of pumps, air fans, and processes air fans at Nchanga Smelter.
• Completed the monitoring of power distribution of different parts of the Nchanga smelter through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
• Contributed to safety improvements through strict adherence to industry standards and regulations during all phases of project development.

During this time, worked at Nchanga Open pit section.

• Completed light electrical wiring and ensured health and safety procedures were adhered to in substations.

• Completed drafting of introductory letters for employees using Microsoft word package.
• Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.