Mineral Processing Engineers have the responsibility of obtaining ore mined from the earth, and removing minerals in the form of concentrates.
Typical Duties
Mineral Processing Engineers are involved in all stages of raw materials processing
Plan, organise and oversee the extraction of metallic and non-metallic matter from the ore at mines
Transform low value impure metals, recycled materials and by products into valuable products
This extraction process can occur at both underground and open pit mines.
Study and apply chemical and process metallurgy techniques
Responsible for onsite testing and research
Constantly looking for new methods to improve the production of these metals
Create new materials from matter that was considered waste
Process design and development
Process control and management
Prepare and oversee operational budgets to evaluate the economic, and environmental efficiency and feasibility
Working Conditions
Mineral Processing Engineers may work in laboratories or be required to travel to mine sites, where they work with other engineers and Mineral Processing Operators or Technicians
Depending on the type of mine, Mineral Processing Engineers may work in the open above ground, or underground where it can be cramped and hot
Production sites can be remotely located and can be hot and noisy, and Engineers may be required to wear protective glasses and clothing
Mineral Processing Engineers must be prepared to travel and will often stay away from home for extended periods. They may be required to live on site away from home, or to work on a fly in fly out basis. FIFO commonly involves flying in for a certain period of time whilst the Mineral Processing Engineer would be on site, and then flying home for periods when they are off work
Mineral Processing Engineers may get to see the world as if working for large international companies, their job will often involve international travel
Educational Requirements
Students interested in entering Mineral Processing Engineering programs should take courses in Mathematics, Science and Chemistry in high school
A Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mineral Processing Engineering is required
Should you be interested in a Research or Academic position, it will require a Doctorate or Master’s degree
Many of the more senior positions also require an advanced degree in Metallurgical, Chemical Engineering or Mineral Processing is required
Mineral Processing Engineers will generally have to have a strong background in Maths and Science, especially Chemistry and Physics
Specialised onsite training is required
Personal Attributes
Have an interest in Chemistry, Math and Physics
Identify analyse and solve problems
Be able to embrace new techniques and technologies, and an interested in keeping up to date on industry requirements and advancements
Be able to work under pressure
Have a good work ethic and be goal oriented
Have an aptitude for design and computing
Must be interested in working in mites sites which are often located in remote locations
Compensation
Mineral Processing Engineers typically command good salaries
Engineers across the board are renowned to earn high salaries, and Mineral Processing Engineers are no exception
They spend many years studying, work hard and often have to make sacrifices in times of time spent away from their families, and for this reason it’s important that they are adequately compensated
