94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
Lead statement
Machine operators in mineral and metal processing operate machinery to process mineral ore and metal.
Main 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.
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.
Example job titles
alumina clarifier operator · alumina recovery operator · aluminum-briquetting equipment operator · aluminum-casting machine operator - primary metal processing · aluminum electrolytic tank tender · aluminum electrolytic tank reconditioner · aluminum classifier · aluminum oxide controller · aluminum powder maker · aluminum slurry pump tender · aluminum stretcher-leveller operator · amalgamation process tender · annealer - primary metal processing · anode caster · anode caster - primary metal processing · asbestos dryer · asbestos screen tender · auxiliary equipment operator - primary metal processing · baghouse operator · ball mill operator · bar-straightening machine operator - metal processing · billet heater · blast furnace tapper · brick and tile crusher operator · brine maker - mineral products processing · briquetting machine operator · bulk cement-blender tender · cadmium plant operator · cadmium recoverer · cadmium zinc leacher · calciner operator - mineral products processing · anode press operator · case hardener - primary metal processing · casting machine operator - primary metal processing · electrolytic tank maintainer - primary metal and mineral products processing · cement mixer - primary metal and mineral products processing · cement pumping tender · cementation equipment operator · charging car operator · classifier operator
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $22.00 | $35.00 | $50.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $22.91 | $34.77 | $55.30 |
| Nova Scotia | $18.11 | $25.96 | $31.15 |
| New Brunswick | $19.86 | $23.67 | $26.44 |
| Quebec | $28.00 | $40.00 | $52.35 |
| Ontario | $20.00 | $28.00 | $40.00 |
| Manitoba | $22.00 | $29.00 | $38.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $21.00 | $35.00 | $43.00 |
| Alberta | $24.78 | $36.58 | $49.56 |
| British Columbia | $29.30 | $38.00 | $46.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.