His Unique Metallurgy Path from Vancouver to Laos
Currently a Senior Superintendent of Processing at Sepon LXML in Laos, Devy Dyson graduated from UBC Materials Engineering with a BASc (2015) and MASc (2017). His fondest undergraduate memories were field trips to industrial plants in Toronto and Seattle, the daily grind in Frank Forward, and Foosball matches in the clubroom. During his studies, Devy worked with Dr. Edouard Asselin’s group on extractive metallurgy, a research area he further pursued in his Master’s degree, focusing on autoclave chemistry and kinetics modeling of the zinc pressure leaching process.
1. Could you share about your current role and the journey that led you to it?
I currently work as a Senior Superintendent of Processing at Sepon LXML, a major gold-copper mine in Laos in Southeast Asia, managing around 150 employees and have six direct reports. I started out working with Barrick Gold – one of my Master’s sponsors, focusing on autoclave chemistry. Over time, my career grew from being an autoclave metallurgist to expanding my knowledge on many extractive processes.
2. How does a typical day look like for you?
My day to day is very engaging – starting with routine meetings to ensure we’re doing everything we can to hit gold and copper production targets. Sometimes, equipment can break down unexpectedly and it is up to us to troubleshoot the process to maintain process throughput. This requires great knowledge on both the mechanical and chemical processes to mitigate losses and identify production opportunities. Beyond the regular meetings, I am involved in long-term technical planning. For instance, exploring options for future ore source treatment and developing capital projects.
3. What aspects of your current role do you find the most rewarding?
“It is exciting to work with multidisciplinary groups and achieve a common objective of producing more metals while promoting sustainability.”
There are many opportunities to contribute to the country’s economics and sustainability goals. It’s incredibly rewarding when small process improvements lead to substantial gains in revenue and profit. In 2022, we had a successful recovery enhancement project that took six months, but we were able to boost the recovery by 10% from technical testing programs, resulting in an equivalent revenue gain of over $30M.
4. How does your career now compare to how you originally envisioned your career in undergrad?
I never envisioned myself going beyond chief engineer, but my passion for this sector grew rapidly. I realized that I never had “bad” days at work and didn’t mind putting in extra hours as the satisfaction of helping others and achieving career goals drove my motivation. Over time, I realized that management was the path I wanted to pursue.
“Leading teams and developing people’s talent, while maintaining a strong technical foundation, is a great way to tackle major challenges in the sector.”
5. What are the 3 biggest challenges facing the extractive sector today?
Some challenges I have observed in this sector include:
#1: Ore grades are declining, and easily extractable ores are depleting. Extracting the remaining complex ores will require extensive processing to ensure economic recovery.
#2: Establishing a fixed flowsheet is challenging as orebodies evolve over life-of-mine. Additionally, equipment design and installation take time to implement.
#3: Demand is outgrowing supply due to the shift of energy transitions across various sectors.
6. What advice would you give to someone entering this field? What barriers need to be overcome to enter the field?
Field experience is invaluable. “Take opportunities to visit engineers working in the extractive metallurgy sector and get a first-hand feel into the career.” Though it took some convincing for me to leave the beautiful city, it has been a phenomenal experience stepping out of my comfort zone in Vancouver for work. “Stay curious and challenge industry assumptions – fresh perspectives often lead to innovative solutions. Go the extra mile by building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and professors, and by getting involved in industry organizations. These experiences will help you discover your passion and shape your career roadmap.”
7. How does a materials engineering degree, compared to a mining degree, lead to a career in the extractive sector?
A materials engineering degree offers a unique path into the extractive sector, where metal processing plays a crucial role. “Unlike mining, which focuses on ore movement, processing metals is often the most complex and impactful aspect of production. It dictates the operations of other departments and has the greatest potential to drive profitability. “
“Therefore, the industry is often in need of metallurgists, which, in my opinion, makes this field even more valuable and exciting.”
8. How do you think your education at UBC MTRL sets you apart from graduates of other programs?
We were fortunate to have a more intimate department where the bonds felt strong between peers compared to other Engineering disciplines. “UBC MTRL has some of the best professors in the field and is internationally recognized for its strong extractive metallurgy program.” There is a larger focus on hydrometallurgy rather than mineral processing, which many other metallurgists lack the expertise for.
“This is a major advantage to study extractive metallurgy at UBC MTRL and learn from the best!“
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