Metallurgical jobs

PAUL WEST-SELLS

Metallurgy is the investigation of the chemical and physical
properties of metallic elements, compounds and alloys. Mining
typically employs process metallurgists, who are responsible
for the methods used to extract metals from ore and refining
those metals into forms for everyday use. Metallurgists have
a great understanding of the physical properties of ores,
metals, milling processes, as well as the chemical processes
associated with a mining project. They have a knack for
improving efficiency and the systems for extracting minerals
and metals.

Paul West-Sells has a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from
the University of British Columbia. Prior to his role as President
and CEO of Western Copper and Gold, Paul worked for 20
years as a metallurgist. He worked for BHP, Placer Dome, and
Barrick, initially in research and then in project development.
When he joined Western Copper and Gold, he was responsible
for all metallurgy and managing the early studies on the
Casino deposit until transitioning to into an executive role.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, & SKILLS
• Awareness of industrial and commercial processes

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & CERTIFICATION
A four-year bachelor’s degree in Chemical or
Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field. A
graduate degree in a relevant field is an advantage for
advancing to a senior level. “As a metallurgist, my excitement comes from

creating something of value out of what starts as
SALARY RANGE* rocks in the ground. It is a profession that has held
$70,000 - $147,000/year magic for centuries, from times when alchemists

were making gold, until today. I found pursuing that
*Wage average as of March 2023. as a career has been exciting and rewarding.”

• Paul West-Sells

casinomining.com