Kobus Brits

Experience

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  Anglo Coal

  Jan 1994 - Jan 1996

  Section Engineer

  During my tenure at Anglo Coal – Arnot Colliery from January 1996 to October 1996, I served as an underground Section Engineer, reporting to the Engineering Manager. In this role, I held responsibility for overseeing all aspects related to production sections, including diesel machines, workshops, and conveyors.Similarly, during my time at Anglo Coal – New Vaal Colliery from January 1995 to December 1995, I assumed the role of Section Engineer, focusing on the "Krupp - Sand System" and "Pit Construction" Reporting to the Pit Superintendent, my duties encompassed both maintenance and operational oversight of these systems. Show less

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  Sasol Mining

  Jan 1996 - Jan 2000

  Section Engineer

  I was appointed as Section Engineer (2.13.3.1), initially overseeing support services on the Main shaft. Later, I took on the role of managing the production areas at Driehoek Shaft. During this period, I was also seconded to McKinsey for a Sasol re-engineering project. My responsibilities encompassed various aspects, including Joy continuous miner sections, section and trunk conveyors, vertical shafts with associated equipment, diesel fleets, and the 11kV network, among others.

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  Namakwa Sands

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2008

  Area Manager Engineering

  During my tenure at Anglo American's Base Metals Divisions Namakwa Sands, I held various roles spanning from October 2000 to May 2008.As Engineering Manager, later Construction Manager, and then Project Manager for Project 1000, I oversaw a significant expansion project. This involved transitioning from detailed design to construction management and eventually being promoted to Project Manager. My responsibilities included ensuring the project adhered to budgetary constraints, met predetermined timelines, and complied with safety and legal requirements.In the role of Area Manager: Engineering (North) from January 2004 to May 2005, I oversaw engineering activities for the northern operations of Namakwa Sands, including primary and secondary concentration plants, mineral separation plant, and mining-related departments. My responsibilities encompassed capital projects and coordinating engineering functions.As Engineer: Mine Site from October 2000 to December 2003, I managed maintenance for EMV and LDV Fleet as well as the Conveyor department at Brand se Baai. I transformed underperforming areas, resulting in improved availability and unit cost.My MBA qualification from the University of Potchefstroom in 2002 equipped me with valuable knowledge applied to improve maintenance, cost management, and morale within the organization. Show less

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  Anglo Base Metals

  Sept 2008 - Feb 2010

  Engineering Manager

  As the Engineering Manager at Anglo American's Base Metals Division, I oversaw the Gamsberg ZincProject, which was estimated at USD 2.5 billion and located in Aggeneys during its pre-feasibility phase.My responsibilities included:i. Open Pit Equipment selection.ii. Materials handling evaluation and equipment selection.iii. Plant design, including crushing, milling, concentrator, and refinery processes.iv. Management of infrastructure and logistics, encompassing civil works, water supply, electricity supply, roads, rail, housing, and offices.v. Oversight of water handling, including stormwater and spillage management.vi. Compilation of Capex and Opex costs, evaluating various alternatives.vii. Defining the engineering structure for the project.viii. Establishing standards and contributing to process design.In this role, I laid the groundwork for the successful development of the Gamsberg Zinc Project. Show less

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  Komatsu Southern Africa

  Feb 2010 - Jun 2011

  General Manager

  I managed Komatsu's Southern Africa Mining Division, overseeing large mining clients and associated operations in Namibia. My role included:i. Handling machine sales and after-market support for major mining firms in South Africa and Namibia.ii. Conducting regular customer meetings to assess performance and identify improvement opportunities.iii. Supervising ten branches and depots strategically positioned for industry support.iv. Managing the Sales, Applications, Contracts, and Maintenance departments.v. Collaborating on Continuous Improvement initiatives with customers.vi. Overseeing debtors, creditors, maintenance contracts, and parts management.vii. Monitoring financial performance, labor recoveries, and debtors and creditors.viii. Coordinating with Komatsu America, Komatsu Germany, and Komatsu Limited in Japan.My role ensured the success and growth of Komatsu's Mining Division, fostering strong client relationships and optimizing business operations. Show less

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  Rio Tinto Coal Moçambique

  Jun 2011 - Aug 2013

  Manager, Maintenance and Engineering

  Initially, I oversaw the construction of the Benga project and later managed its operations post-construction.During my tenure, I had a wide range of responsibilities, including:i. Developing and executing Asset Management strategies for the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP), the mine, rail siding, infrastructure, and fleets.ii. Ensuring compliance with Rio Tinto's Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) standards.iii. Managing infrastructure maintenance, including camps and offices.iv. Overseeing Fleet Management, serving approximately 150 vehicles for Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique (RTCM).v. Managing the operations of the Coal Handling Plant (CHPP).vi. Supervising Open Pit Mining activities.vii. Managing Inbound Logistics.viii. Efficiently handling Warehouse management.ix. Overseeing water and sewerage handling.x. Managing Capex and Opex budgets.xi. Administering Road Maintenance contracts.xii. Managing 66kV and 22kV networks.xiii. Overseeing the Engineering Drawing Office.xiv. Managing contractor relationships.In this role, I ensured the successful operation of the Benga project, covering a diverse range of engineering and management functions Show less

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  MCC Contract Mining

  Sept 2013 - Jan 2016

  During my tenure at MCC Group of Companies (Eqstra) in Midrand from April 2015 to January 2016,I held the position of Director: Plant, where I was entrusted with comprehensive responsibilities encompassing Maintenance, Engineering, and Health and Safety functions for the organization.My role included the following key responsibilities:i. Overseeing the Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) fleet valued.ii. Managing the annual budget, ensuring effective financial stewardship.iii. Supervising the team of senior managers, providing leadership and guidance.iv. Directing the total Engineering team.v. Leading a dedicated Health and Safety team, prioritizing safety across the organization.vi. Managing operations across 7 different mines, dealing with a range of commodities, including Platinum, Chrome, Coal, Diamonds, and Limestone. These operations spanned across South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana.vii. Overseeing 2 Repair & Rebuild facilities, optimizing equipment maintenance and performance.viii. Supporting Asset Management initiatives with a dedicated team of professionals, ensuring efficient asset utilization and longevity.This role demanded a strategic approach to efficiently manage assets, finances, and personnel while prioritizing safety and compliance across a diverse portfolio of mining operations and facilities. Show less In my role as Area Manager, I was entrusted with overseeing the Maintenance & Engineering functions, as well as the Training functions, across various mining sites within and beyond the borders of South Africa.My responsibilities encompassed:i. Managing the Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) fleet.ii. Maintaining oversight of an annual budget, ensuring prudent financial management.iii. Providing leadership to the Engineering Managers who reported directly to me.iv. Leadership of the Engineering teams at various operationsv. Managing a specialized Training team, responsible for both apprentices and technical training.vi. Overseeing operations across 6 different mines, dealing with a diverse range of commodities, including Platinum, Chrome, Coal, Diamonds, and Limestone. These operations extended across South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana.vii. Supervising a dedicated training facility located in Kempton Park, which played a pivotal role in apprenticeship and technical training programs, as well as offering support for operational training initiatives.In this multifaceted role, I took a strategic approach to efficiently manage assets, finances, personnel, and training programs, ensuring the smooth operation of mining sites and fostering the development of a skilled workforce. Show less

  • Director - Plant

    Apr 2015 - Jan 2016

  • Area Manager

    Sept 2013 - Mar 2015
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  Purpose Fit Solution

  Feb 2016 - May 2017

  Independent Consultant

  Successfully negotiated and managed a Repair and Maintenance Performance (RAMP) contract for a Gold Mine in Senegal.Achieved significant cost benefits for the client while ensuring compliance with stringent guidelines.Collaborated with an Engineering and Design House as Project Manager to oversee an EPCM contract for the construction of an Anglo-American Platinum Smelter in Zimbabwe.

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  Pragma Global

  May 2017 - now

  Lead and manage a team of Asset Care and Reliability Managers & Engineers, as well as Planning teams, ensuring the effective execution of Asset Care processes for Mining clients, including prominent organizations Spearheaded the implementation of an Asset Reliability Programme at a significant Cobalt & Nickel producing mine and processing plant in Madagascar as the Project Lead.Conducted comprehensive FMECA processes to develop Asset Care Plans for critical equipment.Provided training, mentoring, and shadowing to enhance asset and maintenance management practices.

  • Business Area Manager

    Dec 2017 - now

  • AM Programme Manager (Ambatovy)

    May 2017 - Dec 2017