Hilde Cronwright

I am a qualified Chemist and Geologist with 22 years’ experience in analytical chemistry and laboratory management. I have worked mainly on ICP-MS but have a broad knowledge of geological and environmental assay methods used by the mining industry.  I have 9 years’ experience as the Nominated Representative and Technical Signatory working in an ISO/IEC17025 accredited laboratory, and am also in charge of implementing and improving the ISO9001 Quality Management System for my company. 

I have a keen interest in analytical chemistry, quality assurance and laboratory management and have ample experience working with hazardous substances (sample preparation using corrosive acids like hydrofluoric and perchloric acid).

I am comfortable supervising and training laboratory staff, do internal audits of laboratory methods and technical operations, compile findings, report to management and ensure corrective actions are implemented. 

I am meticulous with regard to administrative and financial tasks (budgeting, purchasing consumables, servicing equipment, invoicing, forecasts) and keep an organized system to archive documents (calibration records, quality manuals, standard operating procedures and results).  I strongly advocate the implementation of quality control measures to ensure the accuracy of results, and I motivate my team to deliver their best work.  My aim is to improve systems on all levels of the business, to reduce risk (health and safety, financial and reputational risk) and improve profitability.

I am experienced in consulting with clients requiring laboratory services, have a strong sense of job responsibility, enjoy project management  and aim to report quality results every time, on time, to satisfy my client’s needs.  

October 2013 - present:  Laboratory Manager at The MSA Group (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa.Manage the diamond exploration services in the Analytical Services department of The MSA Group, an independent geological consultancy servicing the exploration and mining industry in South Africa. January 

2001 – October 2013: Senior Scientific Officer at the Council for Geoscience, Pretoria, South Africa. Manage analytical services of Analytical Chemistry section of the Laboratory Unit of the CGS.   Supervisor and senior analyst performing chemical analysis of geological, environmental and water samples. 

2010     BSc (Hons) Chemistry     cum laude           University of South Africa (UNISA)
Topic of research module: Method development for mercury analysis of fish using Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) and characterization of mercury levels in commercial fish consumed in South Africa.

2000     BSc (Hons) Geology         cum laude            University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa
Topic of Honours Project: The Composition Of Heavy Minerals From The Abbotsford And Clarkton Kimberlites, East Griqualand.

1999     BSc Earth Sciences          cum laude           University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa
Major subjects up to third year: Chemistry and Earth science subjects.  Mathematics and Physics (first year).