Chemical engineer, Catherine Lottering, shares her love for science and the industry

Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that applies physical sciences like physics and chemistry with life science, and together with applied mathematics and economics to produce, transform, transport and properly use chemicals, materials and energy.

One does needs a Bachelor in Engineering either in process (BEng Process) or chemical (BEng Chemical) or a Bachelor of Science-Engineering to follow a career in chemical engineering and there are various jobs one can do with a chemical engineering degree but Catherine Lottering decided to use her degree in the mining industry. She works at Tschudi Copper Mine in Tsumeb.

Having worked in zinc and copper mines, Lottering was involved with chemical leaching process in the different mines she worked at. Leaching is the process of extracting substances from a solid by dissolving them in a liquid, either in nature or through an industrial process. This is how they are able to remove the metal ores from the earth with help of various acids.

“My average day typically involves data processing, process monitoring and process optimization of the copper extraction process. This means reviewing the production process, based on a set of key performance indicators, or targets, and seeing where the process is not performing to expectation. The chemical engineer will then have to determine what is causing the deviation from the target required and recommend ways to get the process to perform as required or desired,” explains Lottering. Time is also spent researching improving the process and implementing changes if needed.

“Initially, I was inspired to become a chemical engineer by my love for chemistry as I believed that chemical engineers do just chemistry in their day to day work but I soon realised there was so much more involved to applying it in various work environments than I could think of,” says Lottering.

“I believe having a logical mind, being attentive to details and being an analytical thinker with problem solving skills is great traits to have when working as chemical engineer as well an extensive grasp of how the chemical details work in the mining industry,” says Lottering.

Also working in team is big part of an engineer job. “Working in the mining and mineral processing industry has afforded me the opportunity to work with our operational staff on a regular basis. I think interacting with them and sharing my knowledge of our operation and the process we use with them, while gaining their insight into the practical operation of the plant, is the biggest highlight for me. Sharing knowledge is a very rewarding experience for me,” says Lottering.

What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer?

· A bachelor degree in chemical engineering or metallurgical engineering will be needed

Where can I become qualified?

· The University of Namibia offers a 4 year Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering.

· Stellenbosch University in South Africa offers a 4 year Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering.

· The University of Ulm in Germany offers a 3 year Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

· Volgograd State Technical University in Russia offers a 4 year Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

What subjects should I take at school?

· English, Mathematics and Physical Science are compulsory subjects to have.

· A score of 2 or better in Mathematics and Physical Science and a score of 3 or better in English at NSSC-H level (HIGCSE level) or equivalent qualifications. If English was not taken at NSSC-H level, at least a "B" symbol in English at NSSC-O level will be required.

· Successful completion of the Pre-engineering Year with passes in Physics, Chemistry and in all Mathematics and Statistics Modules within two academic years.

· South African universities require at least 70% for Mathematics (HIGCSE), 60% for Physical Science (HIGSCE) and English First Language 40% pass and 60% English Second Language.

A chemical engineer should:

1) Have a logical way of thinking when faced with challenges that need to be solved.

2) Be attentive to ensure that they do not miss important details.

3) Have an in depth knowledge of chemistry to help with processing reviews and be able to work on calculations pertaining to the processing procedures.