Chelto Smith

Chelto Smith (Smitty) has a diverse work experience in the field of laboratory operations and systems. Chelto has served as the Chief Chemist at Lynas Rare Earths Ltd since September 2022 and previously held roles such as Project Lead Production Reporting Systems and Senior Manager Product Finishing. Before joining Lynas Rare Earths Ltd, Chelto worked as an independent consultant from 2014 to 2015, focusing on laboratory operations and systems in Africa and Australia. Chelto also worked at Ventyx, an ABB Company, where they served as a Principal Consultant for Intelligent Mining Solutions (IMS) and was responsible for consulting and client relationships in Western Australia and South Africa. Prior to that, Chelto worked at Lonmin Platinum as the Group Quality Assurance Manager and Laboratory Manager, overseeing the management and auditing of quality standards and leading a team of laboratory staff. Early in their career, they gained valuable experience as a Senior Chemist at Anglo Platinum and as a Learner Chemist at Gencor Gold Mining Company Pty Ltd. Throughout their career, Chelto has had experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), assay management, and process improvement.

Chelto Smith, also known as Smitty, attended Milner High School from 1978 to 1982, where they completed their matric degree with a focus on English, Afrikaans, Biology, Science, Geography, and Maths. In 1983, they enrolled at the University of Johannesburg and obtained a NHD degree in Assay and Analytical Science, which they completed in 1987. During the same year, they briefly attended the University of Pretoria but did not complete their BSC Agric. degree.