Senior Instrumentation Supervisor with 30+ Years Mining Experience
Resume:
Rudi Snyman
Supervisor Instrumentation
Code 8 and Code 2
Professional Profile
With more than 30 years of experience in the mining and industrial sectors, I have developed comprehensive expertise in various specialized roles within smelting, underground, and opencast mining settings. I spent 22 years in the Instrumentation department, of which 14 serving in a supervisory role, which has given me a profound understanding of both the technical and operational challenges faced in these sectors.
My experience spans a wide variety of areas, including Automation, Systems Integration, and Process Control. I have provided leadership and guidance to multi-disciplinary teams, ranging from Engineering, Maintenance, and Production to Supervisors, Instrumentation Technicians, Artisan Electricians, Fitters, Millwrights, Mine Captains, Shift Bosses, and Production Crews. I have been responsible for the conception, design, and implementation of process control systems, network architecture, emergency control procedures, and the management of control rooms and lamp rooms.
Through this experience, I have developed a strong skill set in managing people, effective communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and project management. I am passionate about my work and take great pride in transferring my knowledge and skills to the younger generation in the industry.
My technical proficiency includes in-depth knowledge of Instrumentation, PLCs, SCADA systems, and Application Development Software. I have hands-on experience with Allen Bradley PLC systems and programming, ABB Robotics, and Wonderware SCADA system development. Additionally, I have experience in CCTV systems and have successfully implemented reporting systems that are used within the mine environment.
I am adept at completing tasks in a timely manner, even under pressure, and always remain focused on achieving goals. I am prepared to work shifts and perform standby duties as required by the organization. I am also highly computer literate and proficient in MS Office.
*************@*****.***
7, Octopus Arm, Meer En See,
Richards Bay, KZN
+27 (0-82-418-****
Rudi Snyman CV Page 2 of 7
Objetive
I am seeking a role as Instrumentation or Electrician where I can apply my extensive experience in instrumentation and automation to lead and support a team of technicians. My goal is to ensure the safe and efficient execution of maintenance activities while driving plant reliability and equipment performance. With over 20 years in the field, including hands-on work with PLC/SCADA systems, ABB Robotics, and supervisory responsibilities, I am committed to meeting key performance targets, upholding safety and quality standards, and contributing to a productive, motivated team environment.
Key Achievements
Implemented Process Control and Network for Underground and Surface Mining Operations.
Development of COVID 19 Screening system
Development of Maintenance and Production Systems.
Development of Policies, Procedure, standards and works Instructions (PRT’s).
Development of environmental monitoring systems underground.
Implementation of PDS (Proximity detection systems on Mobile Machinery) Underground and surface operations.
Skills & Attributes
Technical Competencies:
Condition Monitoring
Plant Maintenance
Transformers and Switchgear
PLC/SCADA Programming (Allen Bradley, Rockwell, Siemens, Adroit, Wonderware)
VSD’s Drive technology and Softstarters
Control and Instrumentation systems
C&I Engineering in coal mining environments
ABB Robotics
CCTV Cameras and monitoring systems
Senior Instrumentation Technician experience
Network Design and integration
Environmental Monitoring Systems
Proximity Detection Systems
Project Management and instrumentation project execution Rudi Snyman CV Page 3 of 7
Contractor Management
Health and Safety Management
Risk Management
Maintenance Best Practices and Asset Protection
SAP, SAP S/4HANA, SAGE
Budgeting and Forecasting
Personal Attributes:
Strong Supervisory Management and leadership skills
Skilled in Coaching & Mentoring and Training Facilitation
Excellent Time Management abilities
Creative Thinker with innovative problem-solving skills
High level of Accountability and integrity
Goal-Driven and performance-oriented
Strong Passion for Excellence and continuous improvement
Resilient Attitude under pressure
Effective Team Player who values collaboration
Commitment to Diversity and inclusion
Strong Interpersonal Skills and communication
Summary of Work Experience
Work Experience and Significant Achievements
RDT Electrical and Gas June 2022 – Current
Owner
Period Company and Position
1 June 2022 - Current Owner of RDT Electrical and Gas September 2010 – 31 May 2022 South 32 ex BHP Billiton Energy Coal SA & Seriti Coal
Specialist Electrical & Instrumentation
March 2008 – August 2010 BHP Billiton Energy Coal SA Supervisor Electrical & Instrumentation
February 2003 – February 2008 BHP Billiton Energy Coal SA Instrumentation Technician
3 June 1996 – January 2003 BHP Billiton-Khutala
Maintenance Artisan
May 1995 – June 1996 DURNACOL Mine- Kwazulu Natal
Maintenance Artisan
5 January 1989 – 31 April 1995 Highveld Steel
Apprentice, Maintenance Artisan
Rudi Snyman CV Page 4 of 7
Key Responsibilities:
Commercial and domestic wiring of premises, buildings, houses and issuing of electrical CoC,s.
Installation and maintenance of industrial and domestic solar systems.
Registration of solar systems and includes issuing of Test report/CoC and electrical line diagrams.
Installation, repairs and issuing of CoC for electrical fences for security, and animal farms.
Installations, repairs and issuing of LP Gas equipment for domestic use.
Installation and repairs to agricultural equipment on farms (pump stations, Mini Subs, Pole transformers and Pivot point irrigation systems.
South 32/BECSA/Seriti September 2010 – 31 May 2022 Specialist Instrumentation/GES Instrumentation
Reporting to Head of Maintenance
Key Responsibilities:
Overseeing workforce planning, resource allocation, labour management, and monitoring of health status.
Financial Management -Budget forecasting and management
Manage the safe and structured planning of maintenance work to ensure reliable and available plant and equipment
Structural Design and implementation of Instrumentation and Electrical systems (underground and surface)
Work Management
Conveyor scale calibration
Conveyors
Plant crushers and separation
Pump stations and water management
Check coal density using relevant tools
Rudi Snyman CV Page 5 of 7
Monitor key equipment from plant to PLC (programmable Logic Controller) and SCADA
Monitor history of equipment in plant
Monitor of life-threatening substances e.g. Gas, temperature, caustic soda, chemicals etc., using relevant tools
Calibration of pay scales (Eskom) and various other scales
(belt scales)
Nuclear source monitoring (Uranium) for monitoring of density and block shuts
Calibration of various plant machinery working on analogue loop system
Plant to control equipment – start and stop and running of plant
General automation of any and various equipment
Control of all Plant Networking MB+ Internet and control systems
Fix faults on telephones on plant, PABX and lines
Assisting process and electrical people with any problem solving
Radio Leaky feeder communication systems
VHF Analogue and Digital two-way radio communication systems
Networks – Fibre optic networks, Wi-Fi networks
(Hirschman, Cisco)
Rajant - Wireless Mesh Communication Network (Meshed mobile broadband network for mines, Multi-radio, wireless transmitter-receivers)
HSEC
Comply with HSEC, legislative and functional requirements
Report all HSEC incidents
Conduct Workplace Safety Observations
Ensure all maintenance activities meet the legal requirements of OHSACT and the Mine Health & Safety Act.
Conduct routine inspections and contractor supervision to enforce HSEQ standards.
Implementation and Maintenance of proximity detection systems
Rudi Snyman CV Page 6 of 7
Stakeholder Engagement & Support
Serve as a liaison between instrumentation, process, electrical, and HSE teams to troubleshoot issues and improve plant reliability.
Maintain open communication with production teams to align maintenance efforts with operational priorities.
Support audit readiness by maintaining clean, complete records and helping ensure ISO and HSEQC compliance.
Systems & Reporting
o Maintain accurate master data and maintenance records using SAP S/4 HANA and SAGE systems.
o Assist in budgeting, cost forecasting, and asset lifecycle planning.
Management of Employment Equity
Performance Review
Reporting and Master Data Management and integrity
Coaching and training of line and employees
Ensure Labour Legislation Adherence
Inter Departmental communication
Industrial Relations (chairing hearings)
Key Achievements:
Improved plant availability through proactive instrumentation maintenance and automation upgrades.
Successfully led instrumentation commissioning projects in new underground sections.
Developed a training module for junior instrumentation staff, improving team competency and safety awareness. BHP BILLITON Education / Certification
Qualification/ Course Institution Year
N5 – Mechanical and Electrical Witbank Technical College 1989 Trade Test in Fitter and Electrician Olifantsfontein 1992 Rudi Snyman CV Page 7 of 7
Wireman’s License
PV Green Card
Electric Fence Wireman License
Department of Labour 2023
Department of Labour
ARPL
2023
2023
References
Available upon request.
Contact this candidate