BERNARD NJELESANI

METALLURGIST Flat * Mitech,

Royal Solwezi Hotel Road,

Solwezi, Zambia.

Mobile: +260*********

ad47iw@r.postjobfree.com

Personal Profile Summary

Highly skilled and results-oriented Metallurgical Engineer with extensive experience in the continuous chemical/mineral process industry. Adept at optimizing operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Proven expertise includes process optimization, technical report writing, and fostering a culture of safety and collaboration. With a track record of success in process monitoring, problem-solving, and cross-functional teamwork, I am poised to make a significant contribution to Minara Resources' integrated nickel and cobalt mining and processing operation.

Career Achievements

Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine Plc, First Quantum Minerals Ltd, Solwezi.

Process Overseer/Assistant Superintendent (Act) (Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning) – December 2020 to August 2021

Led a team of 153 employees in the hydrometallurgical department where I was required to improve copper production and adhere to and enforce relevant requirements, policies, procedures and legal regulations pertaining to health, safety, environment and quality, finance and human capital. The following are the achievements:

1.Exceeded Cathode Production Targets: Demonstrated adeptness in enhancing cathode production, surpassing set targets by 172 tons, with a total production of 4882 tons of copper.

2.Enhanced Current Efficiency in Electrowinning Plant: Optimized operational efficiency by elevating current efficiency from 78% to 87% in the electrowinning plant. Achieved a notable reduction in power consumption from 2000 kWh/tCu to 1757 kWh/tCu, resulting in significant energy savings of 243 kWh/tCu.

3.Achieved Cathode Recovery Targets: Successfully achieved cathode recovery rates within the designated budget, securing a range of 62.9% to 71.2%, thereby ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational stability.

4.Ensured Compliance with London Metal Exchange (LME) Standards: Maintained impeccable standards of copper cathode quality in adherence to LME regulations. Notably, ensured lead (Pb) contamination levels averaged at 2ppm (below the 5ppm limit), sulfur (S) contamination averaged at 2.5ppm (below the 15ppm limit), and iron (Fe) contamination averaged at 1ppm (below the 15ppm limit).

5.Enhanced Workplace Safety and Compliance: Spearheaded the repair and maintenance of safety hydrants, showers, and fire water pipes, fortifying workplace safety measures. Ensured timely rectification of hazards and compliance with safety protocols, while also ensuring the availability of protective personal equipment for employees.

Process Supervisor – 2017 to December 2020

Led a team of 10 individuals in the hydrometallurgical department. Automated the hydrometallurgical process and improved copper leach, wash efficiencies and improved cost effectiveness.

1.Implemented Process Control System for Improved Air Quality: Spearheaded the design and implementation of a robust process control system for the scrubbing unit, effectively eliminating particulate matter and acid mist from the leach plant vent gas. Developed comprehensive Isolation Procedures and standardized Isolation Registration Sheets to ensure operational efficiency and safety compliance.

2.Enhanced Operational Efficiency in Clarification Circuit: Implemented a strategic control sequence within the clarification circuit, resulting in a notable 40% reduction in operational rake failure rates. Introduced proactive measures such as clarifier dumping to mitigate operational disruptions and ensure continuous workflow.

3.Optimized Resource Utilization and Cost Reduction: Successfully managed and optimized the utilization of flocculant, achieving a remarkable 41.8% reduction in expenditure equivalent to 1336.46 tons of reagents, thereby enhancing cost-effectiveness and resource management.

4.Improved Equipment Availability and Operational Efficiency: Implemented measures resulting in a significant increase in unit availability due to operational error, elevating rates from 65% to 70%. This initiative ensured streamlined operations and minimized downtime, enhancing overall productivity.

5.Facilitated Organizational Restructuring for Enhanced Performance: Spearheaded the restructuring of shifts, strategically reallocating staff and assigning new roles and responsibilities, fostering a positive impact on organizational performance and target attainment.

Control Room Operator – 2013 to 2017

Managed to successfully commission the hydrometallurgical expansion plant designed to treat 12.5 metric tons of copper ore in 2013 and exceeded to 17.5 metric tons of copper ore in 2015 which target is met to date.

1.Optimized Flocculant Application in Decantation Circuit: Diagnosed and implemented an efficient operational sequence for flocculant makeup and dosage in the counter current decantation circuit, enhancing process efficiency and sedimentation rates.

2.Expertise in SCADA and Citect Control Systems: Proficient in SCADA systems control and Citect control systems with four years of hands-on experience in overseeing continuous copper production operations. Provided invaluable insights and recommendations for the implementation of electrolyte operational sequences during the commissioning phase of the hydrometallurgical expansion project, contributing to its successful execution.

3.Significant Increase in Copper Production: Instrumental in driving a substantial increase in copper production from 192,663 tons to 256,223 tons, showcasing strategic leadership and operational excellence in optimizing production processes and throughput.

4.Leadership in Professional Development: Demonstrated leadership in staff development through coaching and training initiatives. Successfully mentored and facilitated the promotion of three professionals to mid-management positions within the hydrometallurgical department, fostering a culture of continuous learning and career advancement.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Curtin University August 2022 – June 2024

Master of Science in Minerals and Energy Economics

Date of Completion: August 2022- June 2024 (Ongoing)

The Copperbelt University March 2007 – December 2012

Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering

Date of Completion: December 2012

Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarship awardee 2022-2024.

Work Experience and Responsibilities

Company Name: Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine

Position Held : Process Overseer/ Assistant Superintendent (HPL, Oxygen Plant, Acid Plant)

Employment Period: January 2024 – Present

Currently conducting and leading shift meetings to address safety concerns, communicate production figures, and discuss targets, continually enhancing effective communication.

Paying attention to detail by consistently meeting daily safety, health, and environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Ensuring accurate completion of the shift safety logbook and personally signing off on a daily basis by maintaining strict compliance standards.

Continuously applying technical efficiency by overseeing the proper operation of equipment in accordance with operating instructions.

Utilizing interpersonal communication to facilitate effective dialogue among team members regarding direct reports.

Actively applying resource management skills by ensuring the continual availability of tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all employees.

Demonstrating training and management skills by developing and implementing evolving training schedules for production line employees based on skill matrices.

Providing documentation and process management skill by continuously generating and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain operational standards.

Continuously portraying risk management skills by supervising and conducting Plant Task Observations (PTOs) to identify potential hazards.

Continually attaining performance management skills to ensure achievement of daily production goals (tonnages and recovery rates).

Maintaining quality control standards throughout production processes by consistently paying attention to detail.

Continuously promoting and maintaining a clean and safe work environment by effectively implementing risk management measures.

Reporting defects and potential plant stoppages to appropriate personnel by consistently applying strong communication skills.

Regularly attending weekly engineering planning meetings to coordinate operational activities, showcasing coordination and collaboration skills.

Providing guidance and supervision during start-ups and shutdowns, particularly to shift controllers, continually demonstrating leadership skills.

Offering problem-solving skills by providing support to shift controllers and control room operators to improve plant performance during operational challenges.

Continuously showcasing leadership and communication skills by facilitating effective implementation of change management processes.

Exhibiting leadership and accountability by consistently enforcing discipline and adherence to working hours among subordinates and contractors.

Continually enhancing effective communication by conducting regular employee performance reviews and providing constructive feedback.

Demonstrating project management skills by coordinating monthly planned shutdown activities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Applying crisis management skills by immediately notifying the Superintendent or Plant Manager in cases of emergencies.

Company Name: Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine

Position Held : Comminution Metallurgist (Concentrator)

Employment Period: August 2021 – August 2022

Identified and planned high quality execution of the metallurgical comminution test work (R&D) to optimize performance and manage external service providers of test work utilizing my project management skill.

Prepared production of sectional, weekly, monthly and quarterly reports and use Power BI for all the operational trend analysis. Highly proficient in data analysis and reporting.

Maintained HSE standards and ensured strict compliance within the Front-End Metallurgical team.

Showcased continuous improvement and problem-solving skills by identifying potential improvements and implementing safe work procedures through inspection of plant condition monitoring and performance.

Developed an equipment maintenance and production optimization skill by carrying out crusher liner wear management and control.

Developed statistical modelling skill by developing crusher performance data monitoring tools for right product size and carrying out plant trials and statistical analysis.

Optimized supplier relationship management and negotiation processes by personally conducting all communication with crusher liner suppliers. Consistently provided profitable recommendations, supported by comprehensive evidence of high-performance and productivity associated with the selected liners.

With the ability to plan equipment maintenance and execution, coordinated mill shutdowns and carried out mill and cyclone inspections and advised any liner to change out.

Provided process optimization of throughput capacity of the crusher, mills and cyclones.

Exhibited proficient data management and database administration by maintaining a user-friendly, exhaustive and up-to-date database of all test-work.

With process optimization and development skills, reviewed comminution metallurgical test-work, circuit survey procedures and develop new procedures as required to support process development initiatives.

Facilitated stakeholder management by managing the interaction with the Processing Operations teams to ensure high compliance to customer requirements.

Showcased financial management and budgeting skill by contributing to the annual technical section budget/forecasts.

Applied cost management by controlling and reducing operational costs.

Company Name: Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine

Position Held : Operations Supervisor (Hydrometallurgy)

Employment Period: 12/08/2017 – 12/08/2021

Applied leadership and performance management by accomplishing production staff results and communicating job expectations. Planning, monitoring and appraising job results.

Instituted process management and optimization by maintaining workflow by setting process variables, observing control points and equipment performance.

Continuous application of risk management and analysis by determining and assessing the impact and risk of low to medium risk changes on production system.

Provided data analysis and interpretation by determining and analyzing production reports to ensure reduction in error process results.

Exhibited problem solving and continuous improvement skill by implementing cost reduction measures and facilitating corrections to malfunctions within process control points.

Provided metallurgical expertise by ensuring higher Leach Efficiency of above 95% acid soluble copper (%AsCu).

Exercised resource management skill ensuring a complete production plan by scheduling and assigning personnel with specific responsibilities to accomplish production forecast.

Provided electrochemical engineering and process management by ensuring higher current efficiencies above 80% in all tank houses and monitoring of the impurity levels in cathode.

By applying quality management skill, maintained quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.

Exhibited safety management skill by maintaining a safe and clean work environment. Educating and directing personnel on the use of all control points, equipment and resources, maintaining compliance with established policies and safety procedures.

By providing team building and collaboration, initiated and fostered a spirit of cooperation within and between departments.

Developed labor relations management skill by maintaining work relationship with the union by following the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Exhibited succession planning and talent development by training staff separately that expeditiously developed into senior staff positions.

Applied conflict resolution and problem-solving by resolving personnel problems by analyzing data, investigating issues, identifying solutions, and instituting a dispute resolution action plan.

Showcased people management and leadership by undertaking coaching, counselling, and disciplining employees, initiating coordination and enforcing systems, policies and procedures.

Company Name: Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine

Position Held: Control Room Operator (Hydrometallurgy)

Employment Period: 12/08/2013 – 12/08/2017

Provided problem solving and process optimization skill by examining, diagnosing and instituting recommendations during the successful commissioning of the hydrometallurgical plant.

Provided technical troubleshooting skill by making necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, and yields.

By paying attention to detail, maintained records of all process control instruments affecting variability in the process and listened to warning signals in order to verify conformity of process conditions.

Utilizing process automation, was able to control and operate chemical processes and systems of machines using Citect SCADA Control System to effect quality copper production and minimize losses.

Applied process control engineering design by developing control loops that enhanced and controlled the feed rate by mass flow balance from leach tanks to the counter current decantation circuit.

By using data analysis and performance evaluation skill, determined system performance indicators and recommended improvement actions.

Utilized my expertise in data analysis and performance evaluation by identifying system performance indicators and proposed actionable improvement strategies based on the findings.

Provided cross-functional collaboration by resolving issues related to the production process by utilizing cross-functional resources available.

Utilizing communication and collaboration skills, managed to confer with technical and supervisory personnel to resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, and product quality.

Applied my emergency response and crisis management skill by regulating shut down equipment during emergency situations.

With effective communication, was able to notify maintenance and other auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunction and to adjust accordingly.

References:

Available upon request.

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