Ralph Michels

As a pro-active and results-based person within my team, I provide excellent levels of service. I am looking to secure a position in a well-established company, where I can promote immediate value and improve my current skill set further. I am meticulous and devoted and always strive to accomplish my goals. I am prompt and attentive in any environment. I am a sincere, diligent and trustworthy person.

Belt Splice Specialist at ArcelorMittal Liberia (2025-12 – Present)

• Perform hot and cold vulcanizing splices on steel-cord and fabric (ply) conveyor belts in line with OEM and site standards.
• Carry out belt repairs, including patching, skiving, and section replacements to maintain performance.
• Prepare belt ends through stripping, buffing, and bonding to ensure durable splices, while maintaining correct geometry, alignment, and rubber thickness.
• Operate and maintain splicing equipment, ensuring proper setup and calibration, and perform pulley lagging (rubber and ceramic).
• Inspect conveyor systems for wear, damage, and misalignment, and follow all safety and lockout procedures.
• Complete splice reports, job cards, and handovers, and communicate belt condition, risks, and recommendations to maintenance teams.
• Provide guidance on belt life and preventative maintenance, assist with installations and commissioning, and support or supervise junior staff while maintaining high housekeeping standards.

Conveyor Mechanical Mentor at GAC-Guinea Alumina Corporation (2023-09 – 2025-07)

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations while promoting a strong safety culture.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance activities, including shutdowns and preventative schedules, and compile weekly reports on performance and equipment condition.
• Maintain availability of materials, tools, and spares to minimize downtime.
• Lead and mentor technicians, providing hands-on training in hot, cold, and super screw splicing.
• Oversee installation, maintenance, and repair of conveyor systems, including inspections of skirtings, rollers, scrapers, and idlers.
• Ensure proper tracking, alignment, and efficient operation, including pulley re-lagging.
• Diagnose faults, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve reliability.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimise performance and reduce disruptions.

Senior Belt Technician at REMA TIP TOP (2005-06 – 2023-10)

Progressed from Belt Technician to Senior Belt Technician through strong technical expertise and hands-on experience.

• Perform advanced hot and cold splicing on plylon and steel cord conveyor belts, and conduct pulley re-lagging using rubber and ceramic tiles.
• Lead and supervise maintenance teams, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality work.
• Plan and execute installations, replacements, and breakdown repairs to minimise downtime.
• Inspect conveyor systems, identify faults, and perform root cause analysis to improve reliability.
• Ensure proper belt tracking, alignment, and tensioning, and maintain components such as rollers, idlers, scrapers, and skirting.
• Enforce safety compliance and site procedures, complete maintenance documentation, and mentor junior technicians.
• Manage tools, materials, and equipment, and support shutdown planning and execution under tight deadlines.

National Senior Certificate in Grade 12 Matric – Diazville High School (2004-12)