Ntombizodwa Gcingca

Conduct in-house chemical analyses of mineral samples (sand, clay, mud) including XRF testing and preparation for heavy liquid separation techniques. Develop and implement laboratory procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and good laboratory practices to ensure reliable results in a newly established mineral testing facility. Perform quality control checks to maintain accuracy and precision of analytical results.

Chemist - TRANS HEX GROUP - Cape Town

(2025-06)

• Conduct in-house chemical analyses of mineral samples (sand, clay, mud) including XRF testing and preparation for heavy liquid separation techniques.
• Develop and implement laboratory procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and good laboratory practices to ensure reliable results in a newly established mineral testing facility.
• Perform quality control checks to maintain accuracy and precision of analytical results.
• Responsible for ensuring Quality control and Quality assurance.
• Collaborate closely with geologists to interpret analytical results, providing actionable insights that inform operational and exploration decisions.
• Deliver hands-on training to colleagues in laboratory techniques, safety practices, and analytical procedures, fostering a skilled, cross-functional team in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Investigate non-conformances.
• Conduct Stand-by- duties.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 guidelines in laboratory operations despite the facility not being formally accredited.
• Participate in internal audits to ensure quality (ISO 9001).
• Ensure product traceability and laboratory reports are kept up to date.
• Responsible for ensuring that all laboratory equipment's are maintained and in good working condition.
• Generated and analyse datasets to identify trends, detect anomalies, and support continuous improvement initiatives in mineral testing processes.

Analytical Chemist - MINERAL SANDS RESOURCES - West Coast, Western Cape

(2015-04 - 2024-11)

• Perform chemical and mineralogical analysis on various mineral sand samples using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Microscopes.
• Separation of heavy material from the light material by means of Heavy Liquid Separation method (gravity separation) using Bromoform as a heavy liquid.
• Determination of the moisture content in samples using a moisture analyzer.
• Responsible for ensuring Quality control and Quality assurance.
• Responsible for ensuring that the end product comply with the company's specification and current standards before being dispatched.
• Responsible for ensuring that sampling, analysis standards and procedures are adhered to.
• Responsible for correct interpretation of analytical results.
• Develop work instructions.
• Method development and verification of the XRF instruments.
• Schedule water chemical sampling where applicable with regards to compliance of drinking water.
• Investigate Non-conformances.
• Responsible for ensuring that the laboratory operators are provided with training in line with their duties and information with a view to ensure the quality of the product.
• Mentor and train experiential students to help them grow professionally in their field of choice and provide as much knowledge as possible.
• Constructive participation in achieving the quality and plant objectives.
• Conduct Stand-by- duties.
• Participate in internal audits to ensure quality (ISO 9001).
• Ensure product traceability and laboratory reports are kept up to date.
• Responsible for ensuring that all laboratory equipment's are maintained and in good working condition.
• Manage sampling and analysis programs daily.
• Interpret results and notify the relevant person if there are non- conformances.
• Ensure continuous improvement of the laboratory.
• Stay updated on advancements in analytical techniques and technologies.

Laboratory Analyst - PRETORIA PORTLAND CEMENT COMPANY - Lime Acres, Northern Cape

(2014-04 - 2015-04)

• Receive, label and prepare lime stone and dolomite samples for X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis by fusion beads and press.
• Quantitative chemical analysis of lime samples by means of gravimetric analysis (Titration).
• Conduct tests to identify and quantify how much calcium is in the lime sample.
• Operate the Leco instrument to determine the ash content (sulphur analysis) on coal samples.
• Calibrate laboratory balances and scales to decrease the probability of a weighing mistake, ensure they are giving accurate results and report abnormalities.
• Analyse monthly checks and spot samples to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards and laboratory protocols.
• Do statistical evaluation of data, interpret the data, report and transfer the results to PMIS.
• Participated in the development and validation of the XRF instruments.
• Collaborate with the Senior Analyst and Laboratory Chemist to optimize laboratory procedures and ensure to maintain detailed and accurate records of laboratory activities.
• Identify and address any issues related to equipment malfunctions or out of specification results.
• Propose solutions and improvements for non-conformances in order to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure Good Laboratory Practice, safety guidelines are followed and maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Analytical Chemist Trainee - TRONOX NAMAKWA SANDS - Lutzville, Western Cape

(2013-01 - 2013-12)

My role included assisting in conducting experiments and tests as part of ongoing projects.

• Prepared and set up laboratory equipment and sample materials for experiments. Calibrate laboratory balances and scales to decrease the probability of a weighing mistake and ensure they are giving accurate results.
• Analyse monthly checks and spot samples to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards and laboratory protocols and monitor water quality.
• Do statistical evaluation of data, interpret the data, report and transfer the results to PMIS.
• Participated in the development and validation of the XRF instruments.
• Collaborate with the Senior Analyst and Laboratory Chemist to optimize laboratory procedures and ensure to maintain detailed and accurate records of laboratory activities.

CERTIFICATE - LEAN SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT - 2KO AFRICA/SIX SIGMA SOUTH AFRICA (2024 - 2025)

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY - CHEMISTRY - CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT) (2017 - 2018)

NATIONAL DIPLOMA - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY - CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT) (2010 - 2013)

NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE - KHUMBULANI HIGH SCHOOL (2006 - 2008)