Technologist, mineral processing

Mining and metallurgical technicians perform technical tasks related to metallurgical research and experiments, improving methods of extracting solid minerals, oil and gas, and the design, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of mining equipment.

• providing technical assistance in research and development of processes to study the properties of metals and produce new alloys;
• providing technical assistance in geological and topographical surveys, and in the design and planning of systems for the extraction and transport of oil, natural gas and ores, and of facilities for processing and refining minerals and metals;
• preparing detailed estimates of quantities and costs of materials and labour for projects for the exploration, extraction, processing and transport of minerals, oil and natural gas;
• monitoring technical requirements for the construction, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of facilities for the exploration, extraction, transport, processing and storage of oil, natural gas and minerals for compliance with specifications and regulations;
• assisting in the planning and design of mines, mine shafts, tunnels and underground first-aid facilities;
• collecting and preparing samples of rocks, minerals and metals for laboratory tests of their properties, analysing and reporting test results, and maintaining test equipment;
• using microscopes, electromagnetic radiation machines, spectrometers, spectrographs, density meters and tensile testing machines;
• assisting scientists in using electrical, sonic or nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production settings to obtain data for locating potential deposits of metallic ores, natural gas or oil.
• Examples of occupations in this unit group:
• Technician, mining
• Metallurgical technician
• Inspector, mining safety