Takalani Mabel

Motivated and detail-oriented Chemical Engineering graduate (2024) and current Metallurgical Honours student (part-time) with strong academic, laboratory, and project experience. Skilled in chemical process optimisation, extractive metallurgy, fuel technology, and environmental engineering. Demonstrated ability to conduct laboratory research, analyse experimental data, and design processes including packed bed reactors, cooling towers, biodiesel production using DWCM design, and absorptive ultrafiltration using modified polyether sulfone (distinction).

Passionate about sustainable mineral and energy technologies, continuous process improvement, and contributing to the mining and metallurgical industry. Fast learner, adaptable, and committed to excellence.

Chemical Engineer Intern at Maxam Dantex (ZA) (2026-01 – Present)

Research and Development – Explosives Manufacturing

• Conduct laboratory-scale formulation and development of explosives tailored to specific customer requirements in the civil and mining industries.
• Develop and optimise products including Rioflex, detonators and water-based explosives prior to full-scale production.
• Perform density adjustments, formulation modifications to meet required blasting performance, fragmentation and rock-crushing specifications.
• Support scale-up processes from laboratory trials to full-scale manufacturing while ensuring product consistency and quality.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure smooth transition from R&D to commercial manufacturing.
• Conduct continuous product improvement research to enhance performance, safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental compliance.
• Investigate and troubleshoot product performance issues reported by clients.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation of formulations, test results, and process modification
• Ensure strict adherence to explosive handling regulations, safety protocols, and quality management systems.

BEng Tech Honours in Metallurgy Engineering – Tshwane University of Technology (2025)

BEng Tech in Chemical Engineering – Tshwane University of Technology (2024)

Matric Certification – Gondolikhethwa Christian School (2021)