Description
Mineral processing operators operate a variety of plants and equipment to convert raw materials into marketable products. They provide the appropriate information on the process to the control room.
Includes people performing washing, crushing and sizing, separating, sampling, mineral refining and milling.
Working conditions
Mineral processing operators typically work in the oil and gas industry. They typically work a two-week on/two-week off schedule, which means they work for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week while they are on duty. When they are off duty, they have two weeks to rest and relax before their next shift.
Mineral processing operators must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and be able to tolerate long periods of time away from family and friends.
Other titles
The following job titles also refer to mineral processing operator:
blender tender
furnace charger
calciner operator
technician
mineral processing technican
ore separator tender
process operator
mineral processing operators
brine maker
gravel processing operator
process technician
mineral and stone processing dryer operator
salt processing operator
sand processing operator
cement mixer
coal preparation plant operator
process plant operator
Minimum qualifications
A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a mineral processing operator. Some employers may prefer an associateโs or bachelorโs degree in a related field. On-the-job training is usually provided by the employers.
ISCO skill level
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
- the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
- the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
- the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Mineral processing operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.
Mineral processing operator career path
Similar occupations
These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to mineral processing operator.
dewatering technician
surface miner
underground miner
mining equipment mechanic
mine control room operator
Long term prospects
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of mineral processing operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of mineral processing operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
desalination technician
air pollution analyst
mine safety officer
gas processing plant control room operator
oil refinery control room operator
Essential skills and competences
These skills are necessary for the role of mineral processing operator.
- Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
- Collect samples: Set up and operate equipment to collect water, gas or soil samples for testing.
- Mix treating materials: Mix treating materials including reagents, catalysts and various chemicals.
- Handle chemicals: Safely handle industrial chemicals; use them efficiently and ensure that no harm is done to the environment.
- Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
- Operate raw mineral separation equipment: Operate a variety of machinery used to separate raw mineral for further processing based on size of particles or chemical composition. Work with screens, flotation cells, spirals, jigs, drums and cyclones.
- Deal with pressure from unexpected circumstances: Strive to achieve objectives despite the pressures arising from unexpected factors outside of your control.
- Operate raw mineral size reduction equipment: Operate equipment used to reduce the size of raw minerals to prepare it for further processing. Work with gyrotary and jaw crushers, and roll, ball and autogenous mills.
- Conduct inter-shift communication: Communicate relevant information about the conditions in the workplace, progress, events, and potential problems to the workers in the next shift.
Optional knowledge and skills
Optional knowledge
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mineral processing operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
- Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
- Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
- Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
- Bioleaching: Understand the principles of bioleaching, the extraction of products from raw mineral through the use of living organisms.
Optional skills and competences
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mineral processing operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
- Write production reports: Make up and complete shift schedules and production reports in a timely manner.
- Operate wash plant: Operate a large piece of equipment used to wash materials extracted from the ground. Use the wash plant to separate desired materials such as aggregates or precious metals from waste material.
- Handle mining plant waste: Make sure mining plant waste is disposed of safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally sound manner.
- Perform minor repairs to equipment: Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.
- Test raw minerals: Take samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.
- Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
ISCO group and title
8112 – Mineral and stone processing plant operators
References
- ESCO
- Drill Operator Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – ClimbtheLadder