Looking for a job

Callum Thomson

@callumthomson

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I build data science solutions that improve mining operations and deliver measurable value.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to progress in data science within the mining and minerals industry, applying machine learning and process knowledge to improve industrial operations and develop innovative optimisation methods.

At Minopex, I've progressed from Graduate Metallurgist to Data Scientist, completing my graduate programme seven months early. I build monitoring and predictive machine learning solutions across mining and minerals operations.

I've developed a PID control stability monitoring solution for 600+ controllers across four sites, delivering R35 million in validated revenue impact, saving 1,900+ technician hours, and improving control stability by 5.4%. I also led a GenAI deployment that automates daily report analysis at two sites and saves more than three hours each day.

I'm completing an MEng in Chemical Engineering (Data Analytics) at Stellenbosch University, applying machine learning to industrial process optimisation. I bring hands-on experience across 10+ operational sites and 7+ commodities, backed by Python, SQL, process knowledge, and a commitment to getting difficult work done.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Data Scientist

Current

Minopex

Sep 2024 - Present (2 years)

Promoted to Data Scientist after completing graduate program early. Developed and enhanced a control monitoring solution deployed across several sites, contributing over R35 million in validated value.

Python Machine Learning predictive modeling Data monitoring SQL

Graduate Data Scientist

Minopex

Jan 2023 - Sep 2024 (1 year 8 months)

Developed a control monitoring solution from inception to client implementation. Worked on performance monitoring models and applied predictive machine learning models.

Python Machine Learning SQL Database Management predictive modeling

Graduate Metallurgist

Minopex

Dec 2022 - Mar 2023 (3 months)

Worked as a Graduate Metallurgist at an iron ore DMS plant in Postmasburg, Northern Cape.

Metallurgy DM Plant Iron Ore Processing

Engineering Intern

Minopex

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022 (11 months)

Served as an Engineering Intern at the Kroondal mineral processing plants for six weeks, focusing on the flotation plant and various analytical tasks.

Flotation Wash Sieves Laboratory Analysis

Engineering Intern

Afrigrit (PTY) LTD

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 (11 months)

Worked as an Engineering Intern focusing on the overall mineral separation process and plant optimization. Acquired experience with triple pass dryers, ball mills, industrial screens, and sandblasting equipment.

Mineral Processing Plant Optimisation Sieve Analysis Ball Mills Industrial Screens

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Stellenbosch

MEng (Structured), Chemical Engineering (Data Analytics)

2024 -

Enrolled in the MEng (Structured) Chemical Engineering (Data Analytics) program, focusing on applying data science and machine learning to enhance industrial processes.

Stanford University

Machine Learning Specialization, Machine Learning

Completed the Machine Learning Specialization by DeepLearning.AI and Stanford University on Coursera, covering supervised learning, advanced learning algorithms, neural networks, unsupervised learning, recommender systems, and reinforcement learning.