Safak Baltacı

Results-driven Mineral Processing Engineer with expertise in plant optimization, beneficiation operations, shift leadership, and industrial data systems. Proven track record in managing processing circuits, implementing operational efficiency studies, and bridging field operations with SAP/SCADA control systems. Skilled in laboratory testwork (including XRF analysis), yield optimization, and leading cross-functional teams while maintaining a strict focus on EHS and SCMM protocols.

Field Expert & Process Optimization Engineer at Intellectia-CS Teknoloji (2024-04 – Present)

• Lead technical implementation of Asset Management and Plant Automation Systems for industrial mineral processing clients.
• Conduct continuous improvement studies using specialized mining software tools to increase throughput and material recovery.
• Act as the technical liaison between field operations and system developers, integrating SCADA/PLC data logic into plant monitoring platforms.
• Execute Proof-of-Concept (PoC) frameworks focused on equipment reliability, downtime reduction, and process streamlining.

Application & Sales Engineer at MTM MACHINERY (2023-06 – 2023-12)

• Conducted operational site assessments to optimize comminution and screening equipment selection for mineral processing circuits.
• Developed technical PoC models evaluating process equipment efficiency and seamless integration into active production lines.
• Communicated with foreign shareholders (Chinese & European), attended technical online meetings and conducted site visits to potential customers.

Process Engineer at OMAS (CENTERRA GOLD) (2022-02 – 2023-05)

• Directed daily operations within the ADR department, leading shift teams while maintaining zero-harm safety standards.
• Managed Heap Leaching and Carbon-in-Column (CIC) processes for gold retrieval operations, ensuring optimal chemical balance and recovery rates.
• Streamlined stock management and material balance tracking systems (MMS WIRE inventory tracking system), significantly reducing reagent waste and improving inventory precision.
• Oversaw process piping, instrumentation, and leaching irrigation operations while coordinating continuous plant maintenance routines with cross-functional departments.

Research & Development Engineer at ETI BAKIR ISLETMELERI (2021-05 – 2022-02)

• Conducted metallurgical R&D and laboratory testing (XRF analysis, flotation, and gravity separation) for non-ferrous and industrial mineral extraction.
• Executed tailings reprocessing and resource recovery projects aligned with corporate environmental and sustainability matrix (EMM) targets.
• Troubleshot operational bottlenecks in separation circuits to ensure continuous target product grade and recovery.
• Managed technical procurement, equipment specifications, and purchase order (PO) evaluation workflows.

Domain Expert & Quality Assurance Engineer at GCA SOFTWARE (2020-09 – 2021-03)

• Designed and executed comprehensive test scenarios aligned with environmental regulations for the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) software projects, ensuring strict regulatory compliance.
• Managed User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and end-to-end Quality Assurance (QA) workflows to verify that delivered software solutions complied with technical specifications and enterprise client requirements.
• Provided high-level technical support for the Fleet Automation Information System (FILOSOFT), tracking operational workflows, logistics data integration, and system optimization.
• Facilitated clear cross-functional communication between non-technical regulatory stakeholders and development teams, translating complex environmental and operational criteria into structured software specifications.

Master of Science in Mining Engineering - Mineral Processing Branch – Hacettepe University (2022)

Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering – Hacettepe University (2014 – 2019)

Exchange Student (Erasmus) in Mining Engineering – Clausthal University of Technology (2016 – 2017)