Mineral and Metal Processing Labourers
(NOC 9611)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesMineral and metal processing labourers handle materials, clean-up, packaging and other elemental activities related to mineral ore and metal processing. They work for mineral ore and metal processing plants like copper, lead and zinc refineries, uranium processing plants, steel mills, aluminum plants, precious metal refineries, cement processing plants, clay, glass and stone processing plants and foundries.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Labourers in Mineral and Metal Processing most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 38% of Labourers in Mineral and Metal Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $33,429. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$18.30
Median$32.54
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$21,818
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Mineral and metal processing labourers handle materials, clean-up, packaging and other elemental activities related to mineral ore and metal processing. They work for mineral ore and metal processing plants like copper, lead and zinc refineries, uranium processing plants, steel mills, aluminum plants, precious metal refineries, cement processing plants, clay, glass and stone processing plants and foundries.
Job duties
Mineral and metal processing labourers:
- Move raw materials, finished products, scrap and recyclable materials throughout plant manually or using forklift or other powered equipment.
- Feed conveyors, crushers and other equipment; open valves and start pumps; skim dross from furnaces; sort, stack, bundle and stamp materials; and do other activities to help process and machine operators in mineral ore and metal processing.
- Clean work areas and equipment.
- May help with minor repairs and maintenance.
Sample job titles
- asbestos worker
- brick and tile kiln cleaner
- core shop labourer
- extrusion helper
- fibreglass oven charger helper
- furnace loader
- glass packer
- lime kiln operator helper
- metal pourer helper
- rolling mill worker
- salt screening labourer
- tailings disposal labourer
Skills
You should have good physical health. You must be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be needed for some positions in this group.
Other considerations
Work in these jobs is generally seasonal. Shifts at various hours of the day or on a part-time basis is common. Movement to machine and process operator positions is possible with experience and there is movement among jobs in this group.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
55-64
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$21,835 median annual incomeHigh school
$11,582 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
No contacts were found under this occupation profileAdditional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.