Pilani Jeffrey Joachim
Harare
Summary
Metallurgical Engineer with four years of experience in hydrometallurgy, mineral processing, and plant optimization. Highly skilled in data analysis and processing circuit design to enhance plant performance. Demonstrated success in leading metallurgical projects and guiding process improvement. Committed to advancing metallurgical operations through continuous improvement and innovative solutions.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Metallurgical Engineer
Dallagio Investments - Pickstone Gold Mine
01.2025 - Current
- Promoted within 18 months for delivering optimization projects that contributed to a production growth of 4.1% in smelted gold.
- Leading the metallurgical team, overseeing processing, plant projects, and production operations.
- Optimized acid wash plant, increasing carbon activity from 39% to 67%, and elution efficiency from 84% to 89%, adding $438,000 in annual value.
- Achieved a 2.5% increase in recovery (84.0% to 86.5%) through adjustments in cyanide dosage.
- Implemented and led cross-functional assay QA/QC audit systems to evaluate the assay laboratory’s analytical performance, ensuring that the metallurgical team receives accurate, consistent, and trustworthy results for reporting and optimization.
- Collaborated with geology and mining technical teams to deliver ore to plant within the budgeted tonnage and grade targets.
- Designed and executed bench-scale metallurgical tests simulating full plant operations to identify optimal processing parameters.
- Performed technical analysis for equipment selection and sizing, leading to the procurement of optimal solutions.
- Mentoring and providing guidance to junior metallurgists during their training and development.
Process Metallurgist
Dallagio Investments - Eureka Gold Mine
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Oversaw the commissioning and establishment of a dedicated metallurgical laboratory for plant optimization and process development.
- Developed laboratory models replicating plant operations to simulate and identify optimal conditions for ore processing.
- Applied optimization strategies on crushing, milling, classification, and leaching processes to enhance optimal performance and achieved a 4.1% increase in monthly gold production, while also reducing reagent use by 11%.
- Coordinated with the mining and geology technical teams to ensure aligned execution of the budgeted ore production plan.
- Produced monthly metallurgical reports, providing insights to the production team for maximizing plant performance.
- Implemented and led cross-functional assay QA/QC audit systems to evaluate the assay laboratory’s analytical performance, ensuring that the metallurgical team receives accurate, consistent, and trustworthy results for reporting and optimization.
- Developed predictive metallurgical models using historical and real-time data analysis, driving continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Guided a technical project to optimize wastewater recovery by analyzing lab results to select the best flocculant and coagulant products for the thickener unit.
- Supervised the metallurgical laboratory, maintaining operational safety and high-quality results.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to junior metallurgists in training.
Graduate Metallurgist
Dallagio Investments - Eureka Gold Mine
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Completed a structured 18-months postgraduate program in gold processing and metallurgical operations.
- Led metallurgical surveys to collect and analyze plant data, identifying opportunities to optimize process efficiencies.
- Supervised daily tasks within the plant and control room to guarantee efficiency.
Undergraduate Intern - Metallurgical Processing
Anglo American (Unki Platinum Mines)
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Completed a rigorous undergraduate internship program focused on the metallurgical processing of Platinum Group Elements and base metals, fulfilling an academic requirement for my Bachelor’s degree.
- Gained comprehensive skills in ore concentrating and smelting processes, including comminution, reagents preparation, froth flotation, dewatering, plant water balance and tailings management, flash dryer operations, matte production (smelting), and electric arc furnace control.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Metallurgical Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE
01.2021
Skills
- Metallurgical Process Optimization
- Metal Accounting
- Team Leadership & Mentoring
- AVEVA Plant SCADA
- Laboratory Management
- Plant Commissioning
- Microsoft Excel
- Data Analysis & Computational Modeling
- Technical Reporting
- Simulation of Mineral Processes
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Shona (Native)
Timeline
Metallurgical Engineer
Dallagio Investments - Pickstone Gold Mine
01.2025 - Current
Process Metallurgist
Dallagio Investments - Eureka Gold Mine
06.2023 - 01.2025
Graduate Metallurgist
Dallagio Investments - Eureka Gold Mine
11.2021 - 05.2023
Undergraduate Intern - Metallurgical Processing
Anglo American (Unki Platinum Mines)
01.2020 - 08.2020
BSc (Hons) - Metallurgical Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE
NATIONALITY
Zimbabwean
References
- Mr. Silas Hundi - Processing Manager
Dallagio Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Zimbabwe
Pickstone Peerless Mine
+263 773 967 257
silas.hundi@dallagio.co.zw
- Obert, Munodawafa - Processing Manager
Dallagio Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Zimbabwe
Eureka Gold Mine
+263 710 208 736
obert.munodawafa@dallagio.co.zw