Machine operators, mineral and metal processing

Overview

Machine operators in mineral and metal processing operate machinery to process mineral ore and metal. They are employed in mineral ore and metal processing plants such as copper, lead and zinc refineries, uranium processing plants, steel mills, aluminum plants, precious metal refineries and cement processing plants.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Set up, prepare and adjust mineral ore, metal and cement processing machinery to carry out one step in the overall mineral ore or metal processing operation

  • Operate single-function machinery to grind, separate, filter, mix, treat, cast, roll, refine or otherwise process mineral ores

  • Observe gauges, meters, computer printouts, video monitors and products to ensure correct operation of machinery and verify processing conditions

  • Make adjustments to machinery as required

  • Record production information and complete reports

  • May assist with machinery maintenance or repair.

Job titles

  • alumina clarifier operator
  • alumina recovery operator
  • aluminum classifier
  • aluminum electrolytic tank reconditioner
  • aluminum electrolytic tank tender
  • aluminum oxide controller

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2025 edition

Annual salary

Low

$63,187

Median

$81,950

High

$99,202

Usual Hours Worked Weekly: 41.36

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

148

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • On-the-job training is provided.

  • Experience as a labourer in mineral and metal processing is usually required for machine operators.

Additional information

  • There is little mobility among the various types of machine operators within the mineral and metal processing industry.

  • With experience, machine operators may progress to central control and process operators in mineral and metal processing.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.

Beneficial post-secondary programs (not required)

Adult Upgrading Education Programs

Learn more

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