NOC 2021 · 93100 · TEER 3
NOC 93100: Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing, operate and monitor multi-function process control machinery and equipment to control the processing of mineral ores, metals or cement. 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.
TEER
TEER 3
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training
Median wage (Canada)
$44.50 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 2
+40 CRS for Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 93100 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: eligible occupationNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 93100 is in tier 2 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +40 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 70 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 93100 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Co-ordinate and monitor the operation of a particular aspect of mineral ore, metal and cement processing production through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems, usually from a central control room
- Operate multi-function central process control machinery to grind, separate, filter, melt, roast, treat, refine or otherwise process mineral ores
- Observe computer printouts, video monitors and gauges to verify specified processing conditions and to make necessary adjustments
- Co-ordinate and supervise production crew such as machine and process operators, tenders, assistants and helpers
- Start up and shut down the production system in cases of emergency or as required by schedule
- Provide or organize training for members of production crew
- Maintain shift log of production and other data and prepare production and other reports.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- blast furnace operator
- central control caster
- central control room operator - primary metal processing
- chief flotation operator
- console operator - cement manufacturing
- pelletizing control operator
- roaster operator - primary metal processing
- rolling mill control operator
All 67 job titles in NOC 93100
- alloy control operator - zinc casting
- bar mill finisher - primary metal processing
- billet mill roller - primary metal processing
- blast furnace operator
- blast furnaceman/woman
- blooming mill roller
- breakdown mill operator
- central control caster
- central control caster - primary metal processing
- central control operator - cement manufacturing
- central control room operator - primary metal and mineral products processing
- central control room operator - primary metal processing
- chief flotation operator
- chief operator - zinc pressure leach
- coke plant by-products operator
- cold mill operator - primary metal processing
- concentrator control room operator
- console operator - cement manufacturing
- continuous casting machine operator - primary metal processing
- continuous casting operator - primary metal processing
- control room furnace operator - smelter
- control room operator - primary metal processing
- copper melter
- copper refinery operator
- crucible furnace operator
- crusher control room operator
- cupola furnace operator - primary metal processing
- dross furnace operator
- electric arc furnace operator - primary metal processing
- electric furnace operator - primary metal and mineral products processing
- electrolytic refinery process operator
- furnace operator - primary metal and mineral products processing
- head charger
- heater - primary metal processing
- hot mill roller - primary metal processing
- induction furnace operator - mineral and metal processing
- ion exchange operator
- lead-refining furnace operator
- melter - primary metal processing
- metal heater - primary metal processing
- metal heater operator
- metal melter
- metal roaster - primary metal processing
- metal smelter
- molybdenum roaster operator
- nuclear fuel processor
- open-flame furnace operator - primary metal processing
- ore roaster
- oxygen furnace operator - primary metal processing
- panel board operator - primary metal and mineral products processing
- pelletizing control operator
- perlite expander control panel operator - mineral products processing
- process operator - primary metal and mineral products processing
- process operator - zinc pressure leach
- purity control operator - zinc leaching
- refinery process operator - primary metal processing
- reverberatory furnace operator - primary metal processing
- roaster operator - primary metal processing
- rolling mill control operator
- rolling mill control operator - primary metal processing
- slabbing mill roller - primary metal processing
- slurry controller - primary metal processing
- smelting furnace operator - primary metal processing
- steel heater operator
- steel-degasser process operator
- vacuum furnace operator - primary metal processing
- vacuum-degasser process operator - primary metal processing
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- A college diploma may be required for some positions in this group.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Several years of experience as a machine or process operator, usually in the same company or production department, are required.
Additional information
- There is little mobility among the various types of central control and process operators within the mineral and metal processing industry.
- With experience, central control and process operators may progress to supervisory positions in mineral and metal processing.
Wages
Wages for NOC 93100 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32.00 | $44.50 | $53.83 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $27.00 | $42.83 | $70.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $29.49 | $41.81 | $55.92 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Ontario | $19.20 | $43.00 | $48.73 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $22.95 | $31.29 | $38.01 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $31.86 | $50.17 | $73.08 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Alberta | $34.17 | $50.85 | $70.28 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| British Columbia | $38.00 | $45.00 | $56.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan.
Very goodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Very good for central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing (NOC 93100) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing mainly work in the following sectors:
Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 88%
Support activities for mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 213): 7%
50% of central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 91% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 9% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 35% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 48% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
GoodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing (NOC 93100) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing mainly work in the following sectors:
Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 81%
Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 19%
71% of central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 87% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 13% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 64% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing (NOC 93100) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing in Ontario:
Approximately 900 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing mainly work in the following sectors:
Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 38%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 25%
Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 7%
Non-metallic mineral product manufacturing (NAICS 327): 6%
Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 6%
77% of central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing (NOC 93100) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Employment opportunities are supported by several proposed mines and investment in critical minerals strategy to meet demands for green energy transition.
The Government of Canada has announced plans to fast-track the Red Chris Mine in northwestern British Columbiaas a nation-building project; other mine projects are currently under development, such as the expansion to the Mount Polley mine.
The manufacturing sector has fallen in terms of contribution to GDP in the province over the last few years; new industry regulations, competition with the United States and real estate costs have increased the burden on manufacturing businesses.
Here are some key facts about central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing in British Columbia:
Approximately 550 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing mainly work in the following sectors:
Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 64%
Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 21%
79% of central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 88% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 12% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 27% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
LimitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Limited for central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing (NOC 93100) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing in Quebec:
Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing mainly work in the following sectors:
Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 50%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 31%
Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 9%
Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 6%
71% of central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 90% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 10% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 44% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNova Scotia
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNew Brunswick
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedManitoba
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedAlberta
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 93100 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 94101 Foundry workers
- 94101 Foundry workers
- 94100 Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- 92010 Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
Same occupation group
Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturing
Questions
NOC 93100: common questions
What is the NOC code for central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing?
What TEER category is NOC 93100?
Is NOC 93100 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 93100 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 93100 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 93100 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 9Occupations in manufacturing and utilitiesBroad Category
- 93Central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectorsMajor Group
- 931Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturingSub-major Group
- 9310Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturingMinor Group
- 93100Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
Enquiry
Is NOC 93100 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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