Oscar Mendoza Salgado
About Oscar Mendoza Salgado
Oscar Mendoza Salgado is a Senior Metallurgist at Glencore Technology, with extensive experience in various roles within the company, including positions in operations and continuous improvement at multiple copper smelters. He holds a Master's degree in Mining Administration and has contributed to significant cost savings and environmental initiatives throughout his career.
Work at Glencore
Oscar Mendoza Salgado has held multiple positions at Glencore since 2008. He started as a Graduate Engineer at Altonorte Copper Smelter and progressed through various roles, including Environment Engineer, Process Engineer, and Productivity & Costs Project Manager. He served as Continuous Improvement Superintendent at Altonorte Cu Smelter from 2014 to 2018, followed by roles as Senior Operations Advisor and Senior Advisor in North Queensland Metals. Currently, he is a Senior Metallurgist at Glencore Technology, a position he has held since 2021.
Education and Expertise
Oscar Mendoza Salgado holds a Master's degree in Mining Administration from Universidad Católica del Norte, which he completed in 2012. He also earned a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering (Honours) from Universidad de Antofagasta in 2007. Additionally, he pursued a postgraduate degree in Environment at Universidad de Antofagasta from 2005 to 2007. He has further developed his expertise by achieving a Six-Sigma Brown Belt at Altonorte Xstrata Copper.
Background
Oscar Mendoza Salgado began his career in engineering with a position as Engineer Jr at Innova Consultants in 2006. He transitioned to Glencore in 2008, where he has since built a significant career in various engineering and management roles within the copper smelting sector. His work has primarily focused on improving operational efficiency and environmental sustainability in smelting processes.
Achievements
Oscar Mendoza Salgado has implemented several initiatives that have led to significant operational improvements. He introduced steam reforming in the anode furnace at Altonorte Copper Smelter, achieving a 30% reduction in natural gas consumption. He also developed data-driven model contracts that resulted in approximately 30% savings on slag transportation and 5% savings on silica supply. Additionally, he led a biodiversity program at Altonorte Copper Smelter, facilitating the rescue of 200-400 wild birds annually.
Projects and Initiatives
Throughout his career at Glencore, Oscar Mendoza Salgado has directed various projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. He directed a project to introduce recycling materials into the copper smelter production line at Mt Isa Mine, which significantly improved cash flow. He also spearheaded the business case justification for Glencore Australian Assets beyond 2022 at Mt Isa Mine.