Metal and mineral mining is a growing industry, especially in Africa, offering job opportunities for metallurgists to work in various roles. The positions are well paid as metalworkers are required to have at least a degree from an accredited university or college. Preferred qualifications are a Bachelor’s degree in Extractive Metallurgy or Metallurgical Engineering or BSc. in Chemical Engineering with a mention in Mineral Processing. This is not a profession where candidates can learn the skills required on the job, although experience can be gained throughout your career by broadening your exposure to different types of work in the mines.

The type of work they do.

The most common metallurgical roles include project management, consulting, technical or site management, and research. For example, at a mine he/she would be expected to:

• Design work programs and manage all metallurgical tests both internally and with service providers and external laboratories.
• Work with senior team to review and evaluate technical solutions.
• Liaise with geologists and other technical personnel to ensure the most appropriate metallurgical solution is understood and employed
• Constantly reassess metallurgical performance

At the middle management level, as a project manager, you would coordinate daily mining activities, manage quality control, and generally ensure a smooth operation. Mining companies look for a minimum of 5 years of experience before sending these types of managers to mines located in remote locations. At the highest level, metallurgists can become mine managers, including coordinating all operations, staffing, managing the site itself, selecting the mining process, and solving operational problems and commercial.

foster a career

Metallurgists with higher education and extensive experience in many technical processes become professional consultants or researchers, whether they work directly for a large mining company or for a consulting firm contracted by it. Your role may be advising clients on process engineering, performing cost analysis, or budgeting. They may also get involved in environmental impact assessments, HSEQ and social responsibility. The mining industry is constantly updating its extraction and waste management methods to remain profitable and needs researchers to continue exploring new methods and processes. Pay levels vary based on work experience, area of ​​expertise and the location where they are posted.

Some of the personal attributes needed to be successful in this field are being a good team player, having a high level of interpersonal communication skills, and being able to express yourself in writing. A good knowledge of French is often requested when an African position is offered. Due to the inhospitable locations and remoteness from the mines, most positions attract single people or more mature staff who do not have children in school.