Nelisiwe Nxumalo
Dubai
Summary
Experienced Process Engineer with over five years of experience with process optimisation, having implemented strategies that improve production efficiency and reduce waste in the mining industry. Proven competency in implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable improvements in operational performance, revenue growth and cost savings. Highly skilled in process performance analysis, data analysis, project management, and change management, focusing on implementing technology driven projects that foster a culture of continuous improvement. Given my ‘can-do’ mindset, strong leadership skills, effective communication, collaborative approach, proactive attitude and strategic thinking, I can bring substantial value to any organisation.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Process Engineer Data Analytics
Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore
12.2021 - 06.2024
- Led strategic process improvement projects as a subject matter expert (SME) in alignment with Kumba Iron Ore’s operational excellence framework, utilising data analytics principles to enhance operational performance across multiple plants
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including operational teams, technical teams, and senior stakeholders, to implement a pipeline of data-driven solutions, in the form of digital products that stabilised and improved plant performance
- Developed and deployed advanced analytics products, including the Process Performance Review and Recipe Adviser (machine learning proof of concept) platforms, contributing to a 2% improvement in operational efficiency
- Utilised data visualisation tools such as Power BI to standardise reporting and provide actionable insights to senior management, resulting in better decision-making and enhanced communication between departments
- Played a key role in managing change initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and driving employee engagement in the new products being deployed and a new way of working
Metallurgical Engineer
Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore
02.2020 - 11.2021
- Led process optimisation projects that improved the dense medium separation (DMS) plant performance, resulting in a 13% increase in throughput for the DMS beneficiation plant and a 4% improvement in the DMS crushing plant’s product lump to fine (L:F) ratio from 57% to 61%
- Assumed the Lead DMS plant metallurgical engineer role, where I was responsible for monitoring process performance and utilising data analysis to drive process performance improvement projects
- Conducted process audits during plant maintenance shutdowns and provided technical support to the production and engineering teams to achieve operational KPIs
- Developed and successfully implemented end-to-end management of process improvement projects to improve process performance by identifying process inefficiencies, analysing data, developing and evaluating solutions, and securing stakeholder buy-in
- Conducted thorough assessments of projects under my responsibility to ensure alignment with business strategy and identify opportunities for improving operational efficiency and cost optimisation
- Analysed data related to process performance and budgetary impact to ensure feasibility, financial viability, and overall process optimisation
- Implemented MineSuite, a web-based production information management system, for live production monitoring at the DMS plant
- Through this deployment, the utilisation of MineSuite increased by 100%, allowing for improved tracking and analysis of production data
- Further introduced five automation projects, including an SMS-based automated system to provide production updates and automated reports on production and metallurgical performance
- These projects eliminated the need for time-consuming manual tasks, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity for the team
Metallurgical Engineer
Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore
02.2019 - 01.2020
- Supported the commissioning of the Kolomela DMS plant, optimising metallurgical processes and ensuring alignment with operational goals, resulting in a 200% reduction in medium consumption at the DMS plant
- Managed quality assurance processes as a Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC) metallurgical engineer, such as metal accounting, vessel investigations, value chain reconciliation, water management, and tailings storage facility management
- Conducted process audits and implemented corrective actions working with the engineering teams, ensuring alignment of operational goals and improving operational efficiency
- Optimised performance at the Sishen mine processing plants by leading process improvement projects, such as JIG plant optimisation and DMS crushing plant optimisation, improving throughput and reducing operational downtime
Education
Master of Management degree - Digital Business
University of the Witwatersrand
Parktown, JHB01.2025
Bachelor of Engineering degree - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Pretoria
Hatfield, PTA11.2018
Graduated with a bachelor’s Pass -
Bhukulani Secondary School
Soweto, JHB12.2013
Skills
- Data analysis and visualisation tools
- Advanced Excel
- PowerPoint
- Power BI
- Think-cell
- Tableau
- @RISK
- CHARTrunner
- MineSuite
- Smartsheet
- EngineRoom
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- IBM SPSS Amos
- Process simulation
- BRUNO Process Simulation
- Simio
- Project management
- Visio
- Data analysis
- Process development
- Team collaboration
- Production planning
- Process validation
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Waste reduction
- Process flow analysis
- Continuous improvement
- Equipment optimization
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, VariTec
- Achievers Leadership Program, Anglo American Leadership Academy
- Data Analysis and Visualisation with Microsoft Power BI, Udacity
- Data Analysis, University of Cape Town
Hobbies and Interests
- Physical Exercise
- Travelling
- Reading Books
- Graphic Design
Timeline
Process Engineer Data Analytics
Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore
12.2021 - 06.2024
Metallurgical Engineer
Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore
02.2020 - 11.2021
Metallurgical Engineer
Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore
02.2019 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Engineering degree - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Pretoria
Graduated with a bachelor’s Pass -
Bhukulani Secondary School
Master of Management degree - Digital Business
University of the Witwatersrand
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