Emmerego Swartz
Brackenfell
Summary
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
- Master’s in Business Administration (Year 2)
- Post Graduate Diploma: Business Management,
- Bachelor of Technology: Chemical Engineering
- Lean Six Sigma & ISO9001 Certified Professional
- 15 years total Mining & Metallurgy Industry experience
- 12 years in Project & Portfolio Management
- 10 Years in Business Improvement, Technology & Innovation (Operational Excellence)
- 08 Years in Digital Transformation
- 08 Years in Corporate Governance
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager: Operational Excellence & Technology
Glencore Copper Africa | Kamoto Copper Company (KCC)
Kolwezi, DRC
12.2023 - Current
- Reporting Line | Reports directly to the Chief Technical Officer
- Strategy Formulation | Key Liaison between site, Africa Region and Global Corporate Operational Excellence, Technology and Integrated Operations functions.
- Strategy Deployment | Development and implementation of business wide cascaded OKR scorecards (MD level to frontline), developed, deployed and embedding the business wide MOS, Rhythms & Routines and Operating Practices.
- Strategic Projects & Program Management | Managing a multi-functional team of professionals across the Surface Mining, Underground Mining, Concentrator, Refinery and Support service functions to deliver the Operational Excellence Initiative & technology project portfolio for 2025 as part of the 5-Year Glencore Copper Africa Operational Excellence & Technology strategy.
- Operational Management Standards | Leading the Standards Gap assessment for the development and implementation of the Global Copper Management Operating system Operating Practices, Rhythms & Routines, Variation Management and Continuous Improvement for the LATAM regional assets in Chile and Peru (Lomas Bayas Mine & Concentrator, Altonorte Smelter and Antapaccay site)
- Organisational Development | Developed the KCC organizational development philosophy, as part of the organizational effectiveness improvement program, which included the requisite organizational structure design & implementation, leading to the restructuring of the business, and the implementation of new performance appraisal scorecards from Superintendent to Director level.
- Digital Transformation | Design and establishment of the KCC Digital Transformation Organizational structure and strategy. Oversee the development and implementation of the Digital, Analytics and Automation strategy for Copper Africa region.
- Team Management | Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground. Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance. Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills. Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Continuous Improvement Culture | Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning. Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities. Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Glencore Copper 'Cost-out, Margins Up' Program Lead for Africa | Focused on OPEX, CAPEX and Profitability Strategies to maximise business cash flow. Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits. Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management. Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions. Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges. Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating contracts with key vendors, without compromising service quality.
- Value in Use Program Lead | Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, cutting operational costs while maintaining quality of service.
- High Performance Work Teams | Developed and launched the KCC High Performance Work Team program to built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives. Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program. Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
Head: Digital & Sector Lead: Innovation & Improvement
Vedanta Zinc International
Northern Cape, South Africa
05.2021 - 11.2022
- Reporting Line | Reported to the Chief Innovation & Transformation Officer
- Digital & Automation | Established the Vedanta Data Science function as a leg of the Innovation CoE. Developed and implemented the digital transformation, Innovation and Improvement strategy and multi-horizon project roadmap.
- PMO | Established the Vedanta PMO aligned with PMI PMBOK standards, including the design, development and implementation of the project & portfolio governance & techno-economic framework, project artefacts (templates), and project performance reports & dashboards.
- Management Operating Systems | Developed and implemented the VZI Management Operating System, PDCA Operating model, Operating practices, Operational Performance and Management routines for the underground and open-pit mines and processing plants, resulting in an 30% increase in overall productivity and metal-in-concentrate production.
- Portfolio Management | Managed the digital, improvement and innovation portfolios, resulting in the successful implementation of multiple 'class 1' projects (ROI> 100%; Payback < 1 year), i.e., Drone LiDAR surveying, Re-engineered the existing Collision Avoidance System to function as a Mining Fleet Management System.
- VZI Centre of Excellence | South African Regional Lead for the CoE Improvement & Innovation. Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Rapid Results Delivery | Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Business Improvement Leader (BI Manager)
Tronox Mineral Sands, Namakwa
Western Cape, South Africa
09.2017 - 02.2021
- Reporting Line | Reported to the Regional Technology & Improvement Director and acted on a rotational basis in his capacity, who reported to the Global Vice President for Technology & Improvement.
- Capital Portfolio Management | Managed and improved the Tronox SA Innovation & Improvement governance framework for Capital Project and non-capital Initiative Management, resulting in an average year-on-year improvement of 25% in capital forecasting accuracy.
- Project Management | Effectively managed multi-functional project teams to identify, plan and implement operational throughput and cost improvement initiatives, delivering profit and cost avoidance benefits in excess of $100m per annum. Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Operational Excellence & Technology | Owned and managed the Namakwa business unit's Operational Excellence & Improvement initiative portfolio for the Mining, Concentrator, Refinery and Smelting Operations. Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- PMO Governance | Chair member for the regional BI steering committee to review and adjudicate new initiatives based on global ‘Feasibility’ and ‘Delegation of Authority’ guidelines.
- Capability Building | Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns. Trained employees on the Business Improvement & Capital Management Frameworks and assigned monthly cadence & duties. Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Team Management | Increased team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing effective project management strategies. Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Global Lean Six Sigma Centre of Excellence | Served as the South African Core Member to the global Lean Six Sigma Centre of Excellence for the development and roll-out of the Global Tronox Lean Six Sigma, Loss Accounting, Routine Work Management and Operational Excellence standards.
- Group level Synergies | Seconded by the Global VP for Technology & Improvement to the newly acquired ‘Cristal Bahia’ Brazilian asset, to lead the roll-out of the Tronox Innovation & Improvement and Operational Excellence frameworks, and to onboard the new Technology & Improvement teams (Project execution, Process Improvement, Asset Optimization and Business Improvement).
- Change Management | Championed change initiatives, successfully navigating teams through periods of transition while maintaining morale and engagement levels.
- Capital & Operational Budget Management | Managed budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives.
Engineer – Business Process Optimization
Assmang Iron Ore, Khumani
Kathu, Northern Cape, South Africa
03.2017 - 08.2017
- In coordination with VBKOM, developed and Implemented the Khumani Decision Support and Integrated Business Planning system, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness with 10%.
- Implemented and Asset Care & Reliability Management Process optimization optimising Effective tool time & Critical Spares availability (MTTR and MTBF improvement > 40%)
- Management Information system and Knowledge Management optimization across the value chain. (System utilization, end user training, SLA cost improvement)
- Business Improvement Department
Chemical Engineering Technician (Intern)
Ikusasa Water
Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
02.2009 - 11.2009
- Overseeing Ultrafiltration Membrane Manufacturing Process for Reverse Osmosis Plants
- Process control, Troubleshooting & Problem solving.
- Supported compliance efforts by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and adhering to all applicable rules and guidelines during daily tasks.
- Prepared and properly handled hazardous materials and mixtures.
- Conducted root cause analyses for process deviations, implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Prepared technical reports summarizing findings from experiments and making recommendations for future improvements or modifications.
- Increased safety standards by conducting routine inspections and enforcing strict adherence to guidelines.
- Collected samples at designated intervals and performed testing procedures.
- Implemented process improvements that resulted in reduced downtime and increased productivity.
- Maintained accurate inventory records of chemicals used throughout the facility, enabling efficient reordering when necessary.
- Improved production efficiency by optimizing chemical processes and implementing new protocols.
- Evaluated raw materials for consistency and quality, minimizing potential issues during production.
- Stored, retrieved, mixed, and monitored chemicals used in production process.
- Modified controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, and flow of liquids and gases while monitoring outcomes and promoting successful processing.
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Conducted research for various projects, leading to well-informed decisions and successful outcomes.
In-service/student Metallurgist
Anglo American Base Metals
Namakwa Sands, Western Cape, South Africa
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Successfully commissioned the Brand-se-Baai Primary Concentration Plant SAG Mill as part of the broader project team.
- Managed and successfully completed the Mineral Separation Plant Ilmenite circuit optimization project, increasing ilmenite recovery by 5%
- Managed and successfully delivered the Secondary Concentration Plant WHIMS circuit optimisation project by developing and implementing unit operation philosophy leading to a 3% increase in overall mineral recovery.
- Utilized SPC charts and experimental trials to make continual product improvements.
- Documented and certified material quality of each batch of raw material used in manufacturing by testing batch samples through tensile, compression and shear tests.
- Investigated causes of internal and customer rejections to implement corrective actions.
- Calibrated and verified accuracy of density meters and cyanide analyzers.
- Presented research findings and technical recommendations to stakeholders through comprehensive reports, fostering informed decisionmaking.
- Evaluated supplier materials by performing comprehensive audits, ensuring compliance with industry specifications and quality requirements.
- Enhanced material properties with innovative heat treatment techniques, resulting in improved product performance.
- Performed detailed cost-benefit analyses for potential materials substitutions or process changes, informing strategic decision-making processes.
- Coordinated research initiatives focused on emerging metallurgical trends, staying at the forefront of industry advancements.
- Consistently met project deadlines through effective time management strategies and prioritization of tasks according to urgency levels.
- Improved plant efficiency through the optimization of process parameters, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to troubleshoot production issues and develop effective solutions, ensuring high-quality output.
- Conducted failure analysis investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions, preventing future incidents.
- Optimized metallurgical processes by conducting thorough analyses and implementing advanced technologies.
- Streamlined laboratory procedures by implementing modern analytical equipment, enhancing precision and accuracy in results reporting.
- Implemented rigorous quality control measures for accurate testing and evaluation of metal samples, maintaining consistent product standards.
- Planned and evaluated new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary.
- Reviewed supplier proposals and materials and provided ongoing monitoring to maintain consistent supplies.
- Documented physical and chemical properties of materials before, during and after completing standardized tests.
Education
MBA - Business Management
MANCOSA
South Africa12-2025
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Management
MANCOSA
South Africa07.2017
BTech - Chemical Engineering
UNISA
South Africa12.2015
National Diploma - Chemical Engineering
CPUT (Bellville)
South Africa12.2010
BTech - Environmental Engineering
CPUT (Bellville)
South Africa07.2009
Skills
- Planning & Commitment Work Prioritization, Clear expectations & directions, Goal Setting, Performance Management
- Project management Project planning, Change management, Partnership development, Risk management, Resource allocation, Contract management,, Vendor management, Stakeholder management
- Psychological Safety Active Listening, Open Communication, Collaboration, Empathy
- Capability Building Empowering Teams through skills development, coaching & mentoring, Staff training and development
- Leadership & People Management Collaborative, Decisive, Results-driven, Team leadership, Relationship building, Task delegation, Clear communication, Cross-functional teamwork, Recruiting and interviewing,
- Innovation management Complex Problem-solving, Performance evaluations, Key performance indicators, Trend analysis, Financial records oversight
- Financial management Budget control, Business planning, Expense, tracking, Documentation and reporting, Data analysis,
- Strategic planning Operations management, Policy and procedure development, Policy implementation, Schedule preparation, Workforce management
- Computer Skills MS Projects, MS Power BI, PIPWare, MS 365, Oracle Primevera, JIRA, Microsoft Power Apps, Microsoft Azure, SAP4H, SAP Business Objects, Success Factors, Mind Maps, Minitab, Sigma XL, SQL, PLC's, SCADA
- Team leadership
Certification
- LEAN SIX SIGMA MASTER BLACK BELT | International Six Sigma Institute – In Progress 2024
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION | IO4PM - In Progress 2024
- ISO 9001:2015 QMS IMPLEMENTATION PROFESSIONAL | QHSE Training - 2023
- LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT | QHSE Training - 2022
- SAICHE CERTIFIED MEMBER | South African Institute for Chemical Engineers - 2023
- UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH | Business School Alumni - 2018
- SAIMM ASSOCIATE | Southern Africa Institute for Mining and Metallurgy - 2014
References
Mr. Dallas Core
General Manager – Mine Operations (Previous role)
Glencore Copper Africa, Kamoto Copper - DRC
Email: dallascore@gmail.com
Mr. Hugo van der Merwe
Projects Execution Leader (Previous role)
Tronox Namakwa Sands
Email: hugo.vandermerwe@gmail.com | Phone: (ZA +27) 083 254 6117
Mr. Thomas du Toit
Group Chief Metallurgist (Mentor)
African Rainbow Minerals
Email: Thomas.dutoit@arm.co.za | Phone: (ZA +27) 082 376 6217
Mr. Andries Opperman
Manager Business Improvement
Assmang Iron Ore
Email: Andries.opperman@assmang.co.za | Phone: (ZA +27) 82 926 6929
Awards
Tronox South Africa – Annual MD Awards 2018 Awarded the Gold Award for Best project – Ilmenite Smelter Business & Operating Model Optimisation., University of Stellenbosch Business School 2018 Best project in MDP course – Smelter Business Process Optimization, CPUT – ND Chem Eng – Final year 2006 Best project – Biodiesel Manufacturing (Applied thermodynamics)
Training
- Management Development Program | University of Stellenbosch Business School - 2018
- Supervisory Development Training | TLN Human Performance Systems - 2015
- Strategic Cost Management & Should Cost Models in Supply Chain Management | Anklesaria - 2020
- Business Innovation Foundations | LinkedIn Learning - 2022
- Business Ethics Training | Vedanta Zinc International - 2022
- Championing Digital Transformation | Skillsoft - 2021
- Expanding Digital Mindsets | Skillsoft – 2020
- Continuous Improvement Practitioner Training | Partners in performance - Jun 2015
- Cyber Security | Vedanta Zinc International - 2021
- Microsoft Power BI Advanced | Leading Edge, Leading Training - Mar 2020
PROJECT LEADERSHIP
- +12 years’ demonstrated experience in managing technical project teams & professionals across Engineering & Scientific disciplines.
- A passionate, transformational and emotional intelligent leader, deliberate about empowering the workforce and building capability with the aim of developing and sustaining a culture of excellence as the foundation for competitive advantage across global markets.
- Results driven with a deep understanding of technical, managerial, and corporate intricacies as it relates to productivity, profitability, and governance in developing, driving, and embedding Operational Excellence Frameworks, Technology Roadmaps, Programs and Entrepreneurial cultures.
INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY
- +10 years demonstrated experience in establishing and maturing Business Improvement & Innovation delivery departments & capabilities across multi-commodity mining businesses.
- Expert knowledge and experience in Digital & Business Transformation program development and strategy execution.
INTEGRATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- +12 years demonstrated experience in managing complex projects, programs and portfolio’s, incl Capital, Technology, Improvement & Innovation.
- Highly skilled in the setup of PMO’s in accordance with PMBOK
- Proficient in Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, DevOps and Lean Six Sigma Project & Portfolio Development, Planning, Execution and Controls.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
- Planning & Commitment | Clear expectations & directions, Goal Setting, Performance Management
- OPTIMISATION | Process Improvement – Business & Operational, OEE, Value Engineering
- ORGANISATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT | Total Quality Management, Process Safety, ESG
- ORGANISATIONAL EFFICIENCY | Management Operating Systems, Integrated Business Planning
Affiliations
- South African Institute of Chemical Engineers
- Southern Africa Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Beginner (A1)
Arabic
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Manager: Operational Excellence & Technology
Glencore Copper Africa | Kamoto Copper Company (KCC)
12.2023 - Current
Head: Digital & Sector Lead: Innovation & Improvement
Vedanta Zinc International
05.2021 - 11.2022
Business Improvement Leader (BI Manager)
Tronox Mineral Sands, Namakwa
09.2017 - 02.2021
Engineer – Business Process Optimization
Assmang Iron Ore, Khumani
03.2017 - 08.2017
Chemical Engineering Technician (Intern)
Ikusasa Water
02.2009 - 11.2009
In-service/student Metallurgist
Anglo American Base Metals
01.2008 - 01.2009
MBA - Business Management
MANCOSA
Post Graduate Diploma - Business Management
MANCOSA
BTech - Chemical Engineering
UNISA
National Diploma - Chemical Engineering
CPUT (Bellville)
BTech - Environmental Engineering
CPUT (Bellville)