Quality Control Room
Resume:
JAMES CHIBUYE
Copper Smelter Technician
Kalulushi, Zambia • +260********* +260*********
**************@*****.*** jameschibuye.chilolo.com • www.linkedin.com/in/james-chibuye PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated and safety-conscious Tapping Operator with over 2+ year of hands-on experience at Chambishi Copper Smelter, specializing in ISA Furnace operations and high-temperature metal discharge processes. Demonstrates strong technical expertise in operating tapping machines, managing slag and matte flow, handling thermocouples, and supporting metallurgical quality control through accurate sample collection. Proven ability to maintain zero-incident operations through strict adherence to safety protocols, effective coordination with control room operators, and proactive housekeeping. Successfully contributed to operational efficiency by reducing discharge time by 15% and optimizing material usage, resulting in significant cost savings. CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
• Material Preparation • Safety and Compliance • Metallurgical Sampling
• Equipment Maintenance • Thermocouple Maintenance • ISA Furnace Operations
• Emergency Response Readiness • Communications and Collaborations • Tapping Machine Operation PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CHAMBISHI COPPER SMELTER 01/2023 – Present
Tapping Operator
Duties and Responsibilities Include:
• Operate and Monitor Furnace Tapping: Execute controlled discharging of ISA Furnace slag and matte (emulsion), ensuring safe and efficient flow through launders while maintaining communication with the Control Room Operators
(C.R.O) and supervisors.
• Prepare and Maintain Tapping Materials: Organize and verify the availability of essential materials such as silica and paste on the third floor before tapping operations, and ensure proper cleaning of feed holes and launders after discharging.
• Manage Equipment and Instruments: Open and close oxygen bottles safely, operate the tapping machine with precision, and perform thermocouple changes to ensure accurate temperature readings during operations.
• Conduct Sample Collection and Analysis Support: Take and cut matte and slag samples post-discharge to assist in quality control and metallurgical analysis, ensuring consistent product quality.
• Ensure Process Safety and Housekeeping: Monitor the furnace cooling system during tapping to prevent overheating, and uphold high standards of housekeeping around the tapping area to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Coordinate Effectively with Production Team: Maintain seamless communication with C.R.O.s and supervisors to synchronize tapping operations, address abnormalities, and respond to emergencies promptly.
• Support Pre-Operational Setup: Assist in material preparation and system readiness before discharging, ensuring all tools, equipment, and safety measures are in place for a smooth operation. ACHIEVEMENTS
• Improved Tapping Efficiency: Successfully reduced slag and matte discharge time by 15% through precise control of tapping sequences and enhanced coordination with C.R.O.s and supervisors.
• Enhanced Safety Compliance: Maintained a zero-incident record by strictly adhering to furnace cooling protocols and improving housekeeping standards in the tapping zone.
• Optimized Material Usage: Minimized material wastage by ensuring accurate preparation and application of silica and paste, leading to a 10% cost saving on refractory materials.
• Supported Quality Control Improvements: Consistently delivered accurate matte and slag samples for laboratory analysis, contributing to improved metallurgical quality tracking and process adjustments.
• Streamlined Equipment Handling: Reduced equipment downtime by ensuring timely thermocouple changes and proactive maintenance of tapping machines and oxygen systems.
• Boosted Team Communication: Strengthened shift coordination through timely reporting and real-time updates to supervisors, resulting in smoother operations and quicker issue resolution.
• Contributed to Operational Readiness: Played a key role in maintaining consistent furnace readiness by efficiently preparing materials and ensuring all pre-discharge safety checks were completed ahead of schedule. EDUCATION
• Grade 12 School Certificate, Mulemu Secondary School. CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSE
• Silicosis, Occupational Health and Safety Institute. TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• ISA Furnace Operation and Tapping Procedures Training: Gained in-depth knowledge of ISA Furnace operations, including safe slag and matte discharging techniques and furnace flow control mechanisms.
• Furnace Cooling System Monitoring and Maintenance: Trained in monitoring and maintaining furnace cooling systems to prevent overheating and ensure equipment integrity during tapping operations.
• Material Handling and Pre-Tapping Preparation: Acquired skills in the preparation and application of essential tapping materials such as silica and paste, with emphasis on timing and accuracy.
• Tapping Equipment Operation and Troubleshooting: Developed proficiency in operating tapping machines, handling oxygen bottles, and conducting thermocouple replacements to ensure continuous furnace performance.
• Industrial Safety and Emergency Response: Completed site-specific safety training covering housekeeping, emergency procedures, PPE usage, and safe handling of high-temperature materials.
• Metallurgical Sampling and Quality Control Techniques: Trained in taking, cutting, and handling matte and slag samples to support metallurgical analysis and improve process quality control.
• Shift Coordination and Communication Protocols: Strengthened communication and reporting skills through training focused on collaboration with Control Room Operators (C.R.O.s) and production supervisors for smooth shift transitions.
REFERENCES
• Robert Kaira
Supervisor
Chambishi Copper Smelter
• Mr. Jimmy Muleya
ADR
New Apostolic Church
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