Open To Work
Nickita Kawage
K92 Mining Limited
Port Moresby
Work Preference
Desired Job Title
Junior Metallurgist / Shift MetallurgistGraduate MetallurgistTrainee Metallurgist / Plant Process Technician
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkGig WorkConsultingVolunteerSeasonal Work
Location Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybrid
Location:
Port Moresby, PNG
Open to relocation:
Yes
Important To Me
Career advancementWork-life balance
1
Certification
4
years of professional experience
Results-driven Metallurgist with over four years of experience in mineral processing operations, plant commissioning, process optimization, metallurgical accounting, and production support. Proven experience across crushing, grinding, gravity recovery, flotation, dewatering, filtration, and reagent systems. Played a key role in the commissioning and ramp-up of K92 Mining's process plant expansion while supporting operational readiness, process stabilization, and data-driven improvement initiatives. Skilled in SCADA systems, process monitoring, plant performance analysis, multi-stream analyzer commissioning, SOP development, and cross-functional collaboration. Recognized for strong technical problem-solving, safety leadership, and continuous improvement mindset.
Work History
Junior Metallurgist / Shift Metallurgist
1 Year 1 Month- Supported successful commissioning and operational readiness activities for the K92 Process Plant Expansion Project.
- Contributed to the startup and stabilization of Crushing, Grinding, Gravity Recovery, Flotation, and Dewatering circuits during plant ramp-up.
- Led commissioning support for the Thermo Scientific Multi-Stream Analyzer (MSA), including calibration, regression development, verification testing, and operational integration.
- Authored and implemented multiple operational SOPs that improved consistency and standardization across metallurgical activities, including MSA Operation, Calibration, Regression, and Crusher Gap Check procedures.
- Developed and improved operating logsheets for SAG Mills, Ball Mills, Cyclones, Flash Flotation Cells, Gravity Circuits, Trash Screens, and associated process equipment to enhance operational monitoring and reporting.
- Identified and troubleshot process bottlenecks during commissioning and ramp-up activities to enhance operational flow.
- Contributed to metallurgical accounting reconciliation and production reporting processes to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
- Worked closely with Operations, Maintenance, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Process Control teams to achieve commissioning milestones.
- Performed trend analysis on critical plant KPIs including throughput, grind size, cyclone performance, reagent consumption, and recovery.
- Conducted process surveys and sampling campaigns to support optimization initiatives and operational decision-making.
- Participated in hazard reporting, 3Ws, Take 5s, and permit reviews, maintaining strong safety standards and promoting a safety-first culture.
Graduate Metallurgist
2 Years 4 Months- Provided daily metallurgical support for production operations through process monitoring, reporting, and troubleshooting.
- Monitored and optimized key operating variables including density, pH, reagent dosage, flow rates, and flotation performance.
- Improved plant recovery and stability through routine inspections and performance tracking.
- Conducted metallurgical accounting activities including sample reconciliation, data validation, and reporting to ensure accuracy.
- Rotated through Crushing, Grinding, Flotation, Reagent Preparation, Dewatering, and Filtration circuits, developing broad operational and metallurgical expertise.
- Monitored and optimized operating variables including density, pH, reagent dosage, flow rates, and flotation performance to enhance overall process efficiency.
- Supported safe execution of plant isolations and de-isolations under LOTO and IRS procedures.
Trainee Metallurgist / Plant Process Technician
3 Months- Completed structured processing plant training program, gaining comprehensive knowledge of major unit operations.
- Conducted metallurgical sampling and data collection for plant performance monitoring.
- Supported final-year research project titled 'Optimum Collector Dosage for K92 Gold Ore.'
- Conducted tailings settling investigations that informed technical studies for future tailings storage facility planning.
- Assisted metallurgists and process technicians with testing, sampling, and plant inspections to ensure operational effectiveness.
- Key Achievements
Education
Bachelor of Mineral Processing Engineering - Honours
- Accredited Engineering Degree - Washington Accord
- Final Year Research Project - Optimum Collector Dosage for K92 Gold Ore.
- 3.3 GPA
PNG Grade 12 Certificate - Science
Skills
Plant Commissioning & Start-Up
Metallurgical & Technical analysis
Crushing Circuit Operations
SAG & Ball Mill Operations
Grinding Circuit Optimization.
Flotation processes and Gravity Gold Recovery.
Dewatering & Filtration operations.
Metallurgical Accounting
Process Monitoring & Reporting
Plant Performance Analysis
Sampling & Metallurgical Test Work
Process Troubleshooting
Reagent Management
Process Control Fundamentals
Thermo Scientific MSA Operation & Calibration
Ignition & Siemens SCADA Systems
Safety & Leadership
Risk management
Permit-to-Work Systems
JSEA Review and LOTO & Isolation Procedures
Data Analysis & Technical Reporting Writing
Collaboration and Time management
Accomplishments
- Contributed to commissioning and startup activities of K92 Mining's major process plant expansion project.
- Commissioned and operated a Thermo Scientific Multi-Stream Analyzer (MSA).
- Authored site operational and calibration SOPs, including user friendly SOP for MSA and Crusher gap checks.
- Designed and improved metallurgical operating logsheets for grinding and gravity circuits.
- Supported metallurgical accounting and production reporting activities.
- Demonstrated strong safety leadership through active hazard management and permit system compliance.
- Provided technical support during plant ramp-up and performance optimization initiatives.
- Played a key role in developing process monitoring tools and operational logsheets for the grinding and gravity circuits, improving data capture, process visibility, and operator reporting efficiency.
- Supported commissioning readiness reviews, punch-list closeout activities, and operational acceptance of new processing plant equipment.
- Assisted with performance monitoring of SAG Mill, Ball Mill, Cyclone Cluster, Flash Flotation Cell, and Gravity Recovery circuits during ramp-up operations.
Certification
- Thermo Scientific Multi-Stream Analyzer (MSA) Operation & Calibration Training - Onsite training.
- Radiation Officer training - NOST
- Mineral Processing Operations Training (Crushing, Grinding, Gravity, Flotation, Dewatering & Filtration)
- Commissioning and Plant Start-Up Experience – K92 Process Plant Expansion project.
Affiliations
- Vise President of the Society of Women Engineers in PNG university of Technology - 2021- 2022.
- Professional member of Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Junior Metallurgist / Shift Metallurgist
K92 Mining Limited
06.2025 - CurrentRead More
Graduate Metallurgist
K92 Mining Limited
01.2023 - 05.2025Read More
Trainee Metallurgist / Plant Process Technician
K92 Mining Limited
05.2022 - 08.2022Read More
Papua New Guinea University of Technology
Bachelor of Mineral Processing Engineering from Honours
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Mt Hagen Park Secondary School
PNG Grade 12 Certificate from Science
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