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.
