VINCENT NABULEMBELA
Sohar,Al Batinah North Governorate
Summary
Experienced Laboratory & Quality Management Professional with 13+ years in metals and mining laboratory operations, including plant control analysis, QA/QC systems, ISO 17025 accreditation, and laboratory management. Proven track record in implementing and maintaining quality management systems, leading internal and external audits, managing LIMS platforms, and ensuring data integrity, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Adept at method validation, measurement uncertainty, document control, and team development. Combines strong technical expertise in AAS, XRF, ICP-OES, Spark OES, and wet chemistry with a demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement and support operational decision-making in fast-paced smelter and mining environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Laboratory Supervisor (Expatriate)
Mawarid Mining LLC
2023.10 - 2026.08
- Supervise analytical laboratory operations supporting plant control, metallurgical, and environmental teams.
- Established sampling procedures, analysis methods, and SOPs to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely results.
- Set up methods for AAS, Carbon/Sulphur analyzers, and sample preparation equipment.
- Trained and supervised samplers, sample preparers, and laboratory personnel.
- Collaborated with procurement to source reagents, chemicals, and new equipment; identified refurbishment needs.
- Provided analytical data for process optimization and operational decision-making.
Laboratory Manager & Business Developer
Bureau Veritas Zambia Limited
2023.07 - 2023.10
- Led the complete setup of a new analytical laboratory, including construction supervision of extraction units and AAS installation.
- Implemented ISO 17025-aligned procedures and QA/QC protocols from inception.
- Managed LIMS for sample tracking, result reporting, and client data delivery.
- Conducted method validation and measurement uncertainty assessments for AAS and wet chemistry.
- Engaged clients to understand needs, solicit new business, and review quality performance – achieving 100% client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with overseas technical directors and group laboratories for inter-laboratory comparisons.
Laboratory Manager
Kroup Mining and Processing Limited
Solwezi
2023.02 - 2023.07
- Managed all laboratory operations, including sampling, sample preparation, classical and instrumental analysis, and result reporting.
- Revised and strengthened QA/QC protocols for sampling and analysis; investigated high assay bias and implemented improved methods.
- Introduced control charts, proficiency testing, and CRM monitoring to track laboratory performance.
- Supervised weighbridge operations, copper cathode loading/dispatch, and leaching pad sampling for copper quantification.
- Managed laboratory consumables, equipment maintenance, and calibration schedules.
- Advised senior management on equipment upgrades and process improvements to enhance result quality.
Head of Department – Analytical Services Division (Laboratory Support)
Alfred H Knight
Kitwe
2019.08 - 2022.11
- Led the implementation and maintenance of the laboratory quality management system in compliance with ISO 17025.
- Spearheaded closure of non-conformances and observations from internal and external audits.
- Led method validation initiatives and transitioned all SOPs and methods to new templates.
- Acted as SADCAS/SANAS Technical Signatory for accredited methods in General Analysis.
- Managed document control, quality records, training records, and audit records to ensure audit-readiness.
- Administered LIMS (Labcreate) for sample registration, result entry, validation, and reporting.
- Managed CAPA processes, including root cause analysis and effectiveness verification.
- Prepared and presented quality performance reports, audit results, and management review inputs.
- Oversaw procurement of chemicals, consumables, and capital equipment; managed stock inventory and supplier quality checks.
- Provided laboratory support across all ASD labs (Water & Trace, Lubricant Testing, General Analysis).
- Generated client quotations, invoices, test certificates, and followed up on aged debtors.
Senior Chemist – Analytical Services Division (General Analysis)
Alfred H Knight
Kitwe
2019.01 - 2019.08
- Supervised shop-floor chemists and ensured turnaround time (TAT) compliance.
- Investigated off-trend QCs, non-conformances, and observations; led root cause analysis and implemented corrective actions.
- Compiled Proficiency Testing reports and completed investigations post-publication.
- Participated in method validation protocols by assigning jobs and compiling data.
- Produced client test certificates and ensured data accuracy and integrity.
- Assisted in completing 17,000 mine grade control samples with strict QA/QC oversight.
Shift Chemist – Crew B
Kansanshi Mine Plc. (First Quantum Minerals)
2014.10 - 2019.01
- Supervised laboratory supervisors, analysts, and sample preparation teams across multiple sections.
- Improved QC pass rate from 75% to 95% through rigorous monitoring of control charts, CRMs, blanks, duplicates, and spike recovery.
- Investigated low bias on Acid Soluble analysis and implemented corrective measures.
- Verified, validated, and exported results to clients with strict adherence to TAT.
- Managed gold sample security, specialized sample investigations, and investigation reporting.
- Maintained equipment calibration and maintenance records; ensured good housekeeping.
- Developed secondary standards, SOPs, and test methods for various sections.
- Trained new and developing employees on analytical techniques and QA/QC procedures.
- Attended daily production meetings and provided analytical support for operational decisions.
Analytical Chemist
Chambishi Metals Plc.
2013.06 - 2014.09
- Supervised shift operations, ensuring safety compliance (PPE) and timely analysis.
- Performed routine plant control analysis including organics, chlorides, and impurities in copper cathodes using UV/Vis, Spark OES, and XRF.
- Determined copper and calcium in concentrates using XRF and classical titration methods.
- Operated and maintained AAS, XRF, ICP-OES, Spark OES, UV/Vis, and handheld XRF instruments.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree -
University of Zambia
GCSE Certificate & GCE - undefined
St John Convent School
KitweSkills
- Analytical Techniques AAS, XRF, ICP-OES, Spark OES, UV/Vis, Wet Chemistry, Titration, Carbon/Sulphur Analysis
- Laboratory Software Assaynet LIMS, CCLASS, Labcreate, in-house LIMS, Microsoft Office Suite, Data Analysis Tools
- Quality & Compliance ISO 17025, QMS Implementation, Internal/External Audits, CAPA, Document Control, Method Validation, Measurement Uncertainty, Proficiency Testing, Control Charts, Data Integrity, Traceability
- Leadership & Management Team Supervision (10–20), Training & Competency Development, SOP Development, Cross-functional Collaboration, Shift Management, Budgeting, Procurement, Client Engagement
REFERENCES
- Benson, Muleya, Senior Chemist, +260977302597, Chambishi Metals PLC
- Ganiza, Phiri, Chief Chemist, Ganiza.Phiri@fqml.com, +260977621935, +260966606119, Kansanshi Mine PLC (FQM)
- Sosola, Chalema, Chief Technical Officer, sosola.chalema@ahkgroup.com, +260971252137, +26772286802, Alfred H Knight
- Joseph Lupa, Silolezya, Assistant General Manager, js@kmpzambia.com, +260965475444, +260978703500, Kroup Mining and Processing Limited
- Vernon, Mutentwa, Metallurgical Manager, vernon@mawaridmining.com, +260975861116, +96893202583, Mawarid Mining LLC
Accomplishments
- ISO 17025 Compliance: Led method validation, internal audit programs, and CAPA closure at Alfred H Knight; acted as SANAS/SADCAS Technical Signatory.
- QA/QC Performance Improvement: Increased QC pass rate from 75% to 95% at Kansanshi Mine through control chart monitoring, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
- LIMS Administration: Managed multiple LIMS platforms (Assaynet, CCLASS, Labcreate) for sample tracking, result reporting, and quality monitoring.
- Method Validation & Uncertainty: Developed and validated analytical methods for AAS, XRF, ICP-OES, Spark OES, and wet chemistry; implemented measurement uncertainty programs.
- Audit Readiness: Successfully supported SADCAS/SANAS accreditation audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections with zero major non-conformances.
- Laboratory Setup: Established new laboratories from ground up at Bureau Veritas and Kroup Mining, including QA/QC frameworks, SOPs, and equipment commissioning.
- Data Integrity & Traceability: Implemented robust data management processes ensuring accuracy, completeness, traceability, and reliability of all test results.
Timeline
Laboratory Supervisor (Expatriate)
Mawarid Mining LLC
2023.10 - 2026.08
Laboratory Manager & Business Developer
Bureau Veritas Zambia Limited
2023.07 - 2023.10
Laboratory Manager
Kroup Mining and Processing Limited
2023.02 - 2023.07
Head of Department – Analytical Services Division (Laboratory Support)
Alfred H Knight
2019.08 - 2022.11
Senior Chemist – Analytical Services Division (General Analysis)
Alfred H Knight
2019.01 - 2019.08
Shift Chemist – Crew B
Kansanshi Mine Plc. (First Quantum Minerals)
2014.10 - 2019.01
Analytical Chemist
Chambishi Metals Plc.
2013.06 - 2014.09
GCSE Certificate & GCE - undefined
St John Convent School
Bachelor of Science Degree -
University of Zambia