Karren Dormido Dabon
Chemical Engineer
Bago City
Summary
- Dynamic professional specializing in hydrometallurgical operations, process control management, and optimization, with a strong focus on ore management, safety, and environmental protection.
- Achieved success as a Research and Development/Technical Supervisor, overseeing tests, analyses, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and pilot plant operations for Chromite and Scandium Recovery Projects.
- Played a key role in the commissioning of the Scandium Commercial Plant at Taganito HPAL Corporation.
- Possesses a robust background as an ISO Internal Auditor in metal processing.
- Proven ability to enhance workforce capabilities through effective training and development initiatives while excelling in labor management and leadership.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Ore Management Chief Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
07.2023 - Current
- Monitors ore feed quality, analyzes process results, and implements corrective and optimization measures to improve plant performance.
- Ensures ore supply meets production targets through coordination of ore deliveries and monitoring of real-time operational data.
- Collaborates with internal teams, raw material suppliers, and contractors to ensure efficient and seamless ore management operations.
- Prepares and submits reports on process performance, operational investigations, and research and development (R&D) activities.
- Develops and implements improvement programs to enhance ore management efficiency and operational effectiveness.
- Supervises ore management operations and oversees personnel involved in related activities to ensure safe and efficient execution.
Research and Development Chief Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
07.2013 - Current
- Supervised commissioning, testing, and operations of Chromite and Scandium Recovery Plants, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
- Managed pilot plant operations, optimizing process parameters to achieve target specifications.
- Oversaw sampling activities, process monitoring, and training of pilot plant personnel.
- Contributed to the successful commissioning of the Scandium Commercial Plant at Taganito HPAL.
- Conducted process tests and analyses (e.g., cause-and-effect, downtime, and failure analysis) to support operational optimization.
- Developed and reviewed R&D documentation, including SOPs, manuals, and engineering standards.
- Recommended operating strategies and troubleshooting solutions to improve plant performance.
- Supported process evaluation, reagent optimization, and investment project commissioning activities.
- Designed and implemented training programs to enhance workforce competency and technical capability.
Technical Chief Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
04.2018 - 07.2023
- Conducted tests and analyses, including cause-and-effect, loss and failure, and downtime analyses, and provided recommendations to improve operational efficiency and reliability.
- Developed, reviewed, and evaluated production management documents, including process manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering standards.
- Recommended operating strategies and troubleshooting measures to optimize process performance and address operational issues.
- Designed and implemented technical training programs for section personnel to strengthen operational knowledge and skills.
- Assessed personnel competency and technical proficiency through periodic evaluations and performance assessments.
- Provided support for technical research, process evaluation, reagent and process optimization, and project commissioning activities.
Production – HPAL Technical Staff/ Senior Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Prepared and analyzed reports on metal balances, heat balance, and operational data to support process monitoring and performance evaluation.
- Conducted process training sessions for production personnel on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process theories.
- Conducted experiments and process tests to evaluate, develop, and implement process improvement initiatives.
Production – HPAL Shift Leader/ Senior Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
10.2010 - 08.2012
- Supervised the safe and efficient operation of key hydrometallurgical processes, including Ore Preparation, High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL), Continuous Countercurrent Decantation (CCD), and Neutralization.
- Ensured process stability by making necessary adjustments to meet production targets while prioritizing safety and environmental compliance
- Oversaw and coordinated daily plant operations, demonstrating strong leadership, planning, and organizational skills to optimize workflow and efficiency
- Directed field and DCS control room operators in executing routine activities, troubleshooting process issues, and implementing corrective actions to maintain smooth operations
DCS and Field Operator/ Production Junior Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
08.2008 - 10.2010
- Operated and controlled process parameters via the Distributed Control System (DCS) to ensure safe and efficient reactions, maximize recovery rates, and optimize reagent use across key production areas, including Ore Preparation, HPAL, CCD, and Neutralization
- Monitored and managed the operation of critical process equipment such as pumps, autoclaves, thickeners, conveyors, and screening systems, ensuring optimal field process conditions for stable operations
- Performed process material sampling and analysis using instruments like pH and ORP meters and turbidity analyzers to maintain quality control and process efficiency
Acting Quality Control Section Manager
PEPSI COLA PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES, INC.
03.2008 - 08.2008
- Supervised line sampling, analysis, and quality control measures to ensure product standards
- Managed Quality Assurance/Control personnel and ensured compliance with GMP standards
- Supported R&D, Marketing, and company initiatives for new product and packaging launches
- Oversaw production start-up, cut-off, and change-over protocols
- Conducted manpower training and development
Quality Control Analyst
PEPSI COLA PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES, INC.
03.2007 - 02.2008
- Monitored processes in the Non-Carbonated Section to maintain product quality.
- Performed physical and chemical analyses of raw materials, process water, batch syrup, and finished products
Technical Services Trainee – Analytical Services Laboratory
GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL, INC.
10.2006 - 01.2007
- Performed chemical, gas chromatographic, and microbiological analyses of liquor products, alcohol, and raw materials for manufacturing and R&D
- Operated laboratory instruments, including Gas Chromatography, Spectrophotometer, pH Meter, Refractometer, Turbidity Meter, and HPLC
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Engineer
SUNMEC CORPORATION
02.2006 - 08.2006
- Ensured product quality by implementing control measures and monitoring compliance
- Conducted root cause analysis, prepared reports, and implemented corrective actions
- Managed quality-related concerns with customers and suppliers
- Product Line: Plastic trays for electronic parts
Pollution Control Officer (DENR Accredited)
SUNMEC CORPORATION
02.2006 - 08.2006
- Implemented pollution prevention and control measures in compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
- Prepared and submitted environmental compliance reports to regulatory authorities.
On-the-Job Trainee
VICTORIAS MILLING COMPANY
04.2004 - 06.2004
- Performed laboratory analyses on process materials and final products
- Assisted in operations across various departments, including Mills, Boilers, Boiling House, Refinery, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control
- Industry: Sugar Manufacturing
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of St. La Salle - Bacolod
Bacolod03.2005
Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001:2015) -
International Certification Qualification
01.2023
Licensed Chemical Engineer - Chemical Engineering
Professional Regulation Commission, Philippines
Philippines11.2005
Skills
- Leaching
- Solvent Extraction
- Ion Exchange
- Solid-Liquid Separation
- Project Management
- Operations Management
- Laboratory Testing
- Process Evaluation
- Distributed Control System (DCS) Operation
- Plant Pre-Commissioning
- Plant Commissioning
- Research & Development
- GEHO Pumps Operation
- Thickeners Operation
- Autoclaves Operation
Engineering Drawing Interpretationp
Training and Development
Locations
- Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
- Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines
Timeline
Ore Management Chief Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
07.2023 - Current
Technical Chief Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
04.2018 - 07.2023
Research and Development Chief Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
07.2013 - Current
Production – HPAL Technical Staff/ Senior Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
09.2012 - 06.2013
Production – HPAL Shift Leader/ Senior Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
10.2010 - 08.2012
DCS and Field Operator/ Production Junior Supervisor
CORAL BAY NICKEL CORPORATION
08.2008 - 10.2010
Acting Quality Control Section Manager
PEPSI COLA PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES, INC.
03.2008 - 08.2008
Quality Control Analyst
PEPSI COLA PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES, INC.
03.2007 - 02.2008
Technical Services Trainee – Analytical Services Laboratory
GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL, INC.
10.2006 - 01.2007
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Engineer
SUNMEC CORPORATION
02.2006 - 08.2006
Pollution Control Officer (DENR Accredited)
SUNMEC CORPORATION
02.2006 - 08.2006
On-the-Job Trainee
VICTORIAS MILLING COMPANY
04.2004 - 06.2004
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of St. La Salle - Bacolod
Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001:2015) -
International Certification Qualification
Licensed Chemical Engineer - Chemical Engineering
Professional Regulation Commission, Philippines