Patson Kunda
Solwezi
Summary
Highly efficient, hardworking and self-disciplined metallurgist possessing comprehensive knowledge and considerable experience in plant operations for comminution, classification, flotation and metallurgical accounting. Able to work under minimum supervision and getting things done efficiently.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Shift Metallurgist-Flotation
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2023.11 - Current
- Collecting and analysing process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement
- Introduced the batch process for the column cell feed method which helped production of better concentrate quality
- Introduced rougher depressant stage dosing to reduce on recovery loss and gain on better rejection on the carbon on the rougher circuit
- Provide operations with support on reagent regimes change, circuit configurations adjustments in response to changes to ore type ore feed grades.
Plant Metallurgist-Flotation (FQM Talent Exchange Program)
Kalumbila Minerals Ltd.
2023.05 - 2023.10
- Optimizing operational parameters on the flotation circuit with respect to change in ore characteristics by carrying out test works with varying conditions
- Planning operating strategies for recovery improvement and concentrate quality production that meets customer smelter standards by achieving better pyrite and carbon rejection with low insols
- Optimizing Larox filters throughputs by determining suitable and best performing filtration aids for the Larox filters
- Improving tails thickeners performance by determining the best coagulant and concentration to be used in the thickeners.
Acting Overseer-Flotation
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2022.10 - 2023.04
- Maintaining production of good quality saleable concentrate as consistent as possible
- Optimisation of flotation operating parameters for ease of operation and cost effectiveness
- Providing technical support to shift Metallurgist and plant operations
- Creating opportunities for improvement and driving their implementation
- Reagents stock handling and consumption tracking.
Metallurgist-Metallurgical Accounting
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2018.07 - 2022.09
- Preparing daily production reports on time for the daily production meetings and ensuring that the data is accurate and easily accessible by the relevant parties
- Preparing monthly and annual summary and mineral returns reports for the business and for reporting to the Ministry of Mines
- Determining and installing of reliable and most accurate Metallurgical process stream samplers and flowmeters to reduce sampling bias and errors
- Ensuring the crushers and mill feed weightometers are in good condition by carrying out routine weightometer checks and calibrations
- The errors on the weightometers were reduced from above 10% to within 2% on scales with limits of +5%
- Carrying out routine sampler inspections and checks and ensuring 95% sampler availability for accurate sampling and assay determination
- Accurate mill feed moisture declaration and feed tonnage calculation by collecting regular belt cut samples
- Reconciling monthly plant concentrate production with Smelter declared concentrate receipts.
Metallurgist-Technical
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2017.07 - 2018.06
- Carrying out the Jameson pilot plant test works for the Kansanshi sulphide flotation circuit upgrade project and part of the Kansanshi Jameson cell project commissioning
- Assisting the operations team with determining the parameters suitable for running the cyclone clusters in terms of cyclone feed pressure and feed density
- Determining the most effective P80 for efficient flotation performance for different ore sources through carrying out pilot laboratory milling and flotation test works
- Determining correct reagent dosing rates for efficient flotation performance by conducting regular test works on different ore sources from different areas of the mine pit and doing hot floats on ores/slurries that give challenges during continuous operations
- Carrying out laboratory flotation test works for continuous flotation improvement purposes.
Metallurgist-Graduate Trainee
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2015.09 - 2017.06
- Worked with the comminution team to ensure plant equipment ran at the right operating parameters for optimal efficiency
- Calibrated the crushers by adjusting the gap settings to ensure that the product sizes were on target for effective operation of downstream processes
- Carried out steel ball load measurements in the mills to ensure the mill ball load was on target and the deficit or overload was offset by charging the right amount of steel balls
- Inspected the state of the mill shell and feed liners for wear and tear to prevent unplanned breakdowns and prolong the life span of the equipment
- Ensured the cyclone linings and spigots were in good state and not worn for efficient performance
- Worked with flotation team to ensure production of good quality saleable concentrate without losing out on recovery targets at efficient reagent dosage rates
- Reagents dosing rates were followed in relation to changes in the feed grade and mineral composition so as not to waste reagents or lose out on the metal of interest maintained production of good quality saleable concentrate to the smelter as consistent as possible for easy of blending for the furnace feed
- Continuous operations of the flotation circuit by preventing premature failure of components of flotation cells such as rotors, stators and blades, dart valves and shafts by carrying out flotation cell inspections and maintenance.
Metallurgist-Intern
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2014.08 - 2014.10
- Assessing the design and operating parameters for mill cyclones by varying the cyclone cluster components and parameters which included changing the spigot sizes, vortex finder sizes and cyclone feed pressure
- Recommending effective cyclone spigot size for the mills for better classification of feed material to the flotation circuit
- Recommending suitable range of operating pressure for the cyclone cluster for effective classification and circuit stability.
Education
Bachelor of Mineral Science in Metallurgy and Mineral Processing -
The University of Zambia
12.2015
Skills
- Data analytical skills
- Problem solving
- Innovative
- Continuous improvement
- Good communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Process plant operations
- Quality control
Personal Information
- Title: Metallurgist
- Date of Birth: 09/12/1990
- Nationality: Zambian
Timeline
Shift Metallurgist-Flotation
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2023.11 - Current
Plant Metallurgist-Flotation (FQM Talent Exchange Program)
Kalumbila Minerals Ltd.
2023.05 - 2023.10
Acting Overseer-Flotation
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2022.10 - 2023.04
Metallurgist-Metallurgical Accounting
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2018.07 - 2022.09
Metallurgist-Technical
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2017.07 - 2018.06
Metallurgist-Graduate Trainee
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2015.09 - 2017.06
Metallurgist-Intern
Kansanshi Mine Plc.
2014.08 - 2014.10
Bachelor of Mineral Science in Metallurgy and Mineral Processing -
The University of Zambia
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