Student Journal - Curtin Student Chapter - Chemical Engineering Students Vacation Work

My name is Savannah, over the past three months, I‘ve had the incredible opportunity to work as a Process Engineering Vacation Student at Tronox’s Kwinana Processing Plant, a world-class facility specialising in the production of titanium dioxide. This experience has been both professionally enriching and personally rewarding, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges while gaining invaluable insights into the mining and chemical processing industry.

Key Contributions and Projects
During my time at Tronox, I was embedded within the Production Team, responsible for addressing day-to-day operational challenges in the initial stages of the processing plant. Some of my key contributions included:

• Improving Alarm Systems: I worked on enhancing the functionality of alarm displays to help operators quickly identify and respond to potential hazards. This involved analysing historical data to establish evidence-based response procedures and improve safety protocols.
• Investigating Production Relationships: I analysed the relationship between the production of a key chemical and its byproduct to optimize inventory management and scheduling. This required using historical data to create predictive models and improve operational efficiency.
• Enhancing Process Documentation: I assisted in creating detailed, step-by-step procedures for critical tasks, ensuring consistency and safety in operations. This highlighted the importance of clear documentation in preventing errors and maintaining high standards.
• Troubleshooting Operational Issues: I investigated various process inefficiencies, including equipment performance and product quality concerns. These projects involved data analysis, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and problem-solving to identify root causes and propose solutions.
• Improving Control Room Displays: I developed visual tools to help operators monitor process bottlenecks and critical operational data, making it easier to maintain optimal plant performance.

Professional Growth and Learning
This program has been a transformative experience, allowing me to grow both technically and professionally. Some of the key skills and insights I developed include:

• Technical Proficiency: I gained hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools, as well as a deeper understanding of process diagrams and operational workflows.
• Safety-Centric Mindset: Working in a major hazard facility reinforced the importance of safety in every aspect of operations. I participated in safety training, hazard assessments, and incident reviews, which highlighted Tronox’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
• Communication and Collaboration: I worked closely with engineers, operators, and managers, honing my ability to communicate technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Conclusion & Comments
Tronox’s emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and safety left a lasting impression on me. From participating in site tours of other facilities to witnessing the company’s environmental rehabilitation efforts, I gained a deeper appreciation for its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The collaborative and supportive culture at Tronox made it easy to ask questions, seek guidance, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects.

My time at Tronox has been an invaluable stepping stone in my engineering career. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, tackle real-world challenges, and contribute to the success of the Kwinana Processing Plant. This experience has not only deepened my technical knowledge but also reinforced my passion for the mining and chemical processing industry. I look forward to applying the skills and insights I’ve gained to future endeavours and continuing to grow as an engineer.