YUL BRAN D. BASTATAS
Metallurgist | Mineral Processing | Gold, Copper, Mineral Sands |10+ Years Experience | AusIMM Member
+61 418 276 075 | yulbastatas@gmail.com | Based in Western Australia
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Metallurgical Engineer with 10+ years of experience across gold, copper, and mineral sands processing operations in Australia and the Philippines. Experienced in plant optimisation, metallurgical accounting, production reconciliation, process control, laboratory test work, flotation, cyanide leaching, and continuous improvement. Proven ability to improve plant performance, troubleshoot operational issues, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve production, recovery, and quality targets.
CORE COMPETENCIES
– Gold, Copper & Mineral Sands Processing – Crushing, Grinding, Flotation, CIP/CIL & Elution
– Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement – Metallurgical Accounting & Production Reconciliation
– SCADA & Process Control – Metallurgical Reporting & KPI Analysis
– CAPEX, Budgeting & Consumable Control – Laboratory Management & Metallurgical Test Work
– Safety, Environmental Compliance & Team Leadership
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
· Played a key role in a plant capacity expansion project, supporting the increase in processing capacity from 2,500 TPD to 3,000 TPD by consolidating metallurgical, mechanical, and electrical requirements, preparing technical specifications, and participating in equipment evaluation and supplier selection processes.
· Identified premature grinding media deterioration through shutdown inspections, resulting in supplier replacement and improved grinding media performance and budget reduction by 16%.
· Developed technical write-ups and business justifications supporting equipment procurement and capital project implementation.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Metallurgist
Australian Garnet Pty Ltd – Yallabatharra, WA, Australia
Aug 2023 – Jul 2026 / Full-time
· Monitored and optimised mineral processing plant performance using GE Vernova CIMPLICITY SCADA, process data, and metallurgical KPIs to maximize recovery, product quality, and throughput.
· Conducted metallurgical test work, sampling programs, and plant surveys to evaluate process efficiency and equipment performance
· Developed and implemented process improvement initiatives while preparing metallurgical reports on production, recovery, quality, and operational performance
· Collaborated with operations, maintenance, laboratory, and mining teams to resolve process issues, supervise laboratory activities, and ensure data quality
· Provided technical support and training to plant operators and assisted with metallurgical budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
Senior Metallurgist
Apex Mining Co., Inc. – Maco, Davao de Oro, Philippines
May 2021 – Aug 2023 / Full-time
· Led 18-person metallurgical teams in plant trials, laboratory investigations, and optimisation programs to improve recovery and reagent efficiency
· Provided technical support to operations by analyzing plant data, resolving process issues, and improving plant performance and stability
· Managed metallurgical accounting, production reconciliation, and monthly performance reporting.
· Coordinated the implementation of metallurgical procedures, operating standards, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting budgeting and consumables cost control
· Mentored junior metallurgists and laboratory personnel in metallurgical testing, process monitoring, and performance evaluation
Process Metallurgist
Apex Mining Co., Inc. – Maco, Davao de Oro, Philippines
Feb 2017 – May 2021 / Full-time
· Conducted metallurgical testwork and plant optimisation studies to improve recovery, throughput, and operational efficiency.
· Monitored plant performance and investigated process deviations affecting metallurgical performance.
· Managed reagent preparation systems, consumption monitoring, inventory control, and dosage optimisation.
· Worked closely with operations personnel to implement process improvements and maintain production targets.
· Contributed to continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing plant performance and reducing operating costs.
Jr. Engineer – Recovery Operations
Carmen Copper Corporation – Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines
Sep 2014 – Dec 2016 / Full-time
· Monitored grinding, flotation, and dewatering circuits to maintain metallurgical performance, concentrate quality, and stable plant operations.
· Coordinated with operations and maintenance teams to resolve equipment and process issues, minimizing operational disruptions.
· Oversaw the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the processing plant to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
· Coordinated timely maintenance and repair activities to minimize equipment downtime and maintain continuous plant operation.
· Acted as Shift Foreman during supervisor absences, leading plant operations, coordinating personnel, and maintaining safe and efficient production activities.
Junior Metallurgist
Carmen Copper Corporation – Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines
Jun 2014 – Sep 2014 / Full-time
· Monitored milling plant operations through YOKOGAWA DCS control system, identifying process deviations and supporting operational stability
· Conducted plant tests and assisted in process improvement initiatives to optimise production
· Reviewed daily metallurgical performance reports and maintained proper database records
· Identified plant operational issues and recommended corrective actions to support efficient operations and minimize production losses
· Ensured that activities are being done in compliance to company policies, environmental standards, safety procedures, and IMS requirements
TECHNICAL SYSTEMS & ANALYTICS
Process Control & SCADA: GE Vernova CIMPLICITY | Yokogawa DCS | SCADA-based process monitoring
Data Analysis & Reporting: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office Suite
Laboratory & QA/QC: Reference standard verification, laboratory instrument checking, metallurgical sampling and testwork protocols
Currently Developing: Power BI (self-directed learning, in progress)
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CERTIFICATIONS
· Professional Certificate in Metallurgical Accounting (AMIRA P754) – AusIMM (2026)
· Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) & Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) – Aviassist (2024)
· Radiation Safety Course – Sealed Sources (2022)
· Intermediate Checking/Verification of Reference Standards & Laboratory Instruments (2023)
· WA Driver’s Licence – Class C (Current)
· National Police Clearance Certificate (Current)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
· Member – Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australia – Since 2025
· Member – Society of Metallurgical Engineers of the Philippines (SMEP), Philippines – Since 2016