Mark Kruger

Experience

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  Mintek

  Jan 1985 - May 1993

  Metallurgical Technician

  I commenced my career gaining experience in the Mineral Processing (crushing, gravity separation, screening, flotation), Hydrometallurgical (bacterial and gold processing) and Pyrometallurgical departments. Pyrometallurgical experience gained on laboratory scale and pilot plant research projects to various SA mining industries. Refractory experience and lining of furnaces gained. Operating and leading research campaigns on shift basis on pilot plant fluidised bed, electric arc and plasma arc furnaces. Instrumentation knowledge and experience gained related to plc and scada systems. During this period, 1,5 years was spent for national conscription. Show less

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  Richards Bay Minerals

  Jun 1993 - May 2006

  I was responsible for all tapfloor activities of 4 x 72MW illmenite 6-inline smelters transferring molten iron to the Iron Injection Plant and cooling molten slag product for final slag processing. The team comprised of 100 employees with 9 direct Supervisors. I was responsible for all HSE related activities, optimising and efficient running of the tapfloor activities, cost control/reduction, developing personnel and HR management. I held the 2.9.2 MHSA appointment. I was part of a team that implemented work directed mission teams within RBM and maintained the Tapfloor & MPT lean focus. Iron taphole campaign life was improved from ~60-70kt to ~85-100kt per campaign. I developed systems for shift record keeping (Excel) and safety, implemented an operational program to be followed for mobile equipment routine maintenance. I successfully managed to change a relatively resistant team to become more of team players for the section / department. Show less During this period I served as process metallurgist in the Roaster, Smelter, Iron Injection and Slag Processing plants. I also spent 2 years in the developmental department overseeing strategic projects for the Iron and Slag plants. Some success stories where I was project investigator or part of teams were: titania slag chloride yield was improved from 84,5% to 87,5%, implementation of hematite for dephosphorisation of ductile iron, implementation of reagent calculation formulae at iron injection for reagent consumption savings, improved and maintained iron refractory campaign life to greater than 100 blows, optimised magnetic separation within the roaster and returned / improved the furnace iron taphole campaign life to previously achieved campaign life standards. Show less

  • Superintendent: Tapfloor and Material Handling

    Oct 2004 - May 2006

  • Senior Metallurgist: Process and Development

    Jun 1993 - Sept 2004
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  Palabora Mining Company

  Jun 2006 - Jun 2013

  Provided the business with the service of production and value planning, and metallurgical accounting to the copper, magnetite and vermiculite business streams. My role fitted within the Financial Division. I am a trained green belt six sigma project leader.This role originally fell under the GM Business Services, where I was responsible for the two laboratories and the production planning section. The Chemical Laboratory is for the copper and magnetite streams utilising various analytical methods/machines ( AA, ICP, SAFT, Fire Assays). The Vermiculite laboratory catered for the vermiculite stream of the business. The production planning section covered the mine production plan (UG mining to Marketing/Sales value chain). Metal accounting for copper, magnetite & vermiculite fell under this part of my portfolio.I successfully ensured that the business developed a reliable value planning model for decision making for the production-sales value chain.I successfully changed a demoralised Laboratory team into a motivated and achieving team. I implemented method validation certification and quality statements for all the main products. I upgraded the Chemlab extraction and ventilation system as well as upgrading the physical appearance of the Lab.In April 2012, consolidation occurred when the GM Business Services role fell away, the laboratories were transferred to the Quality section of the SHEQ department.I had the opportunity to cover various General Manager's positions for any periods up to 3 months. My track record for these periods was very good as per my MD manager once removed discussions. Additional responsibilities assigned where I contributed to the business: I successfully implemented the charter for the Safety & Health Site Committee. I served as a company management representative on the union negotiation committee (NUM and Solidarity). I was and am a seasoned & skilled chairperson used in sensitive / intricate high focus disciplinary enquiries. Show less As Smelter Manager I was responsible for the following sections: Material Handling, Reverberatory Furnace, Pierre Smith Converters, Anode Fire Refining, Sulphuric Acid Plant, Power Plant, Hot Metal Maintenance and Smelter Services Maintenance. I was responsible for a budget of ~R300M pa. I had a total workforce of 370 employees with 6 direct Superintendents reporting. From 2009 a Smelter Maintenance Manager position was created to support the business requirements. My primary function was to optimise / maximise copper production in a safe and healthy manner and ensure environmental compliance. I managed the Smelter Operations without any significant industrial union related issues. I achieved the highest copper production volumes in 2007 for the last 10 years. My safety performance reduced from 5 to 1 “All Injuries” between 2007 and 2009. I was appointed as the MHSA 2.6.1 manager. I facilitated 2 business improvement projects one on significant cost control and the other on operation/organisational improvement. Show less I was responsible for the operation and maintenance of 3 x Pierre Smith Converters, 2 x Anode Fire Refining furnaces, a Holding furnace and the casting of quality copper anodes for Tankhouse operations. My main functions were to maintain and enhance the HSE systems and safety of my team, optimise/maximise production volumes, manage/reduce costs, people development and attend to HR related issues. My team consisted of 120 employees with 10 direct reportees. I held the sub-ordinate 2.6.1 MHSA appointment. I was successful in optimising converter blowing practices and efficiencies (FPR). Show less

  • Manager: Business Value Planning

    May 2010 - Jun 2013

  • Manager: Smelter (Operations and Maintenance)

    Feb 2007 - Apr 2010

  • Superintendent: Converter & Anode Section

    Jun 2006 - Jan 2007
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  Vereeniging Refractories (Pty) Ltd

  Jul 2013 - Mar 2014

  Business Unit Manager: Technology Centre

  Business Unit Manager for the following departments within the Verref Shaped Division - Technology Centre, Human Resources, SHEQ and Security. This role reports directly to the MD with 4 managers supporting.Responsible to enhance and develop an industry leading technology centre. Verref Shaped strategy is to become more of a refractory solutions provider in the metallurgical and chemical industries.Providing guidance for refractory project estimation from minor relines to major rebuilds.Responsible as champion for implementing lean systems within the Verref Shaped Division.Providing direction and guidance for SHEQ and HR management systems within the company.Responsible for upgrading the security systems and implementing sustaining standards. Show less

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  Refractory and Metallurgical Solutions

  Apr 2014 - now

  The company has restructured to be sustainable long term and keep refractory manufacture in South Africa. As such, RMS entered into a toll manufacturing agreement with Vesuvius South Africa, whereby all shaped basic and firebrick products are produced by Vesuvius using RMS's IP and raw materials. The toll agreement commenced in February 2016. The companies remain independent and have no common interests. Manufacture of fused grain and a range of monolithics is continued at the Vereeniging plant. The company produces a comprehensive range of products specifically developed for such industries as aluminium, cement, copper, ferro-alloys, foundries, glass, iron and steel, lime, nickel, platinum, petrochemical and power generation. In addition our Technical Sales will provide on request estimates, quotations and general guidance in refractory usage.RMS is your preferred refractory solutions provider to the pyrometallurgical and chemical industries. Show less

  • Marketing & Sales Director

    Apr 2019 - now

  • Director Of Operations

    Apr 2014 - Mar 2019