Kedibone Lekganyane

Senior Metallurgical Engineer with over five years of experience in materials engineering, failure analysis, advanced materials characterisation, and research-driven engineering, with current specialisation in corrosion assessment, marine asset integrity, engineering investigations, and the development of data-driven methodologies for naval maintenance applications. Demonstrates extensive expertise in physical metallurgy, reverse engineering, materials performance assessment, and failure analysis, applying quantitative, evidence-based engineering methodologies to evaluate degradation mechanisms and support informed engineering decision-making. Currently coordinating multidisciplinary engineering investigations across metallurgy, mechanical engineering, corrosion engineering, welding, quality control, and foundry operations to evaluate materials degradation, support engineering decision-making, and develop practical methodologies that enhance marine asset integrity, lifecycle management, and maintenance planning.

Developed a phased methodology for predictive degradation assessment, incorporating structured data acquisition and quantitative engineering analysis to establish the foundation for future predictive modelling in support of evidence-based asset integrity decision-making. PhD candidate in Metallurgical Engineering with demonstrated experience in scientific research, technical reporting, engineering modelling, and the translation of research outcomes into practical engineering solutions.

Senior Metallurgist at Armscor (2026-01 – Present)

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering investigations involving metallurgy, corrosion, welding, mechanical engineering, quality control, and foundry operations to evaluate material degradation mechanisms and support evidence-based engineering decision-making.
• Develop and implement quantitative engineering methodologies for assessing material degradation, corrosion damage, and component integrity to improve maintenance planning and lifecycle management of naval assets.
• Conduct metallurgical failure investigations, material verification, reverse engineering, and standards-based materials assessment (ASTM, BS, EN) to determine root causes of failure and recommend engineering solutions.
• Develop phased methodologies for predictive degradation assessment, integrating structured data acquisition and quantitative engineering analysis to establish the foundation for future predictive modelling and asset integrity decision support.
• Support material selection, manufacturing quality, welding investigations, and repair assessments through laboratory testing, materials characterisation, and technical reporting.
• Collaborate across mechanical engineering, corrosion engineering, welding, quality control, survey, and foundry disciplines to deliver integrated engineering solutions for maintenance and manufacturing challenges.
• Contribute to research and innovation initiatives through the development of engineering methodologies, technical investigations, and data-driven approaches that improve the integrity and reliability of critical naval assets.

Project Lead at Mintek (2024-09 – 2025-04)

• Led a metallurgical investigation into surface defect formation during induction-based gold bar production, evaluating solidification behaviour, thermal gradients, melt flow dynamics, and manufacturing process variables.
• Identified the metallurgical mechanisms responsible for surface defects, including differential cooling, solidification behaviour, and flow-induced solidification patterns (vortex trapping), providing evidence-based explanations for defect formation.
• Developed engineering recommendations for process optimisation, defect mitigation, and manufacturing quality improvement through the application of physical metallurgy and materials.

Assistant Lecturer at University of Pretoria (2015-03 – 2019-11)

• Assisted in the delivery of undergraduate metallurgical engineering modules, facilitating practical laboratory sessions and supporting student learning in physical metallurgy and materials engineering.
• Supported laboratory-based teaching and experimental investigations, ensuring the application of sound engineering principles and safe laboratory practices.
• Contributed to academic research activities, technical reporting, and scientific data analysis within the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering.
• Assisted in the supervision of laboratory experiments and the interpretation of metallurgical test results, promoting analytical problem-solving and engineering reasoning.
• Collaborated with academic staff in curriculum delivery, laboratory preparation, and continuous improvement of practical teaching methodologies.

Metallurgist: Intern at Mintek (2012-05 – 2014-04)

• Supported materials selection, design, and development for engineering applications through the evaluation of microstructure, corrosion behaviour, and material performance.
• Conducted failure analysis and root cause investigations to identify degradation mechanisms and recommend preventative strategies for improving material reliability.
• Applied heat treatment and manufacturing processes, including casting, rolling, and forging, to optimise microstructure and mechanical properties.
• Contributed to the development of high-chromium white cast iron grinding media, supporting improvements in wear resistance and component performance for industrial applications.
• Performed advanced metallurgical characterisation using Optical Microscopy (LOM), SEM/EDS, and TEM, translating microstructural observations into evidence-based technical recommendations.

Materials Development (Internship) at Element six (2011-01 – 2011-07)

• Supported powder metallurgy and advanced materials development activities, including milling, High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) sintering, and post-processing to optimise material performance.
• Performed advanced materials characterisation using XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS, and TEM, interpreting compositional and microstructural data to evaluate processing outcomes and material behaviour.
• Investigated failure mechanisms in sintered diamond materials, identifying root causes and recommending technical improvements to enhance product quality and reliability.
• Prepared technical reports and communicated engineering findings to support materials development, product quality, and evidence-based engineering decision-making.

PhD in Metallurgical Engineering – University of Pretoria 2024 to date (in Progress)

MSc in Applied Science in Metallurgy – University of Pretoria (2015 – 2020)

BSc (Hons) in Applied Science in Metallurgy – University of Pretoria (2013 – 2014)

B-Tech in Engineering Metallurgy – University of Johannesburg (2011 – 2012)

National Diploma in Engineering Metallurgy – University of Johannesburg (2006 – 2008)