The Certified Processing Plant & Smelter Operations Professional/Manager (CPPSOP)™/(CPPSOM)™ certification program is a prestigious and globally relevant qualification designed for individuals seeking to master the operational, technical, and managerial aspects of mineral processing plants and smelting facilities. In industries such as mining, metallurgy, and materials production, the ability to efficiently process raw materials into high-value products is critical to business success, cost control, and environmental responsibility. This program equips participants with the expertise to oversee plant workflows, optimize smelting processes, maintain high-quality output, and ensure safe, compliant, and sustainable operations.
Processing and smelter operations go beyond simply running machinery—they involve raw material preparation, crushing, milling, concentration, chemical treatment, furnace operations, casting, and refining. Participants will explore topics such as process control systems, metallurgical testing, waste and by-product management, equipment maintenance strategies, environmental safeguards, and the integration of advanced technologies like automation, digital monitoring, and data analytics. The curriculum emphasizes operational efficiency, energy optimization, quality control, and adherence to strict regulatory and sustainability standards.
Whether managing a mineral processing facility, overseeing a smelting plant, or coordinating integrated mining-to-market operations, graduates of the CPPSOP™/CPPSOM™ program will be equipped to deliver productivity, compliance, and long-term value for stakeholders.
Certification Program Objectives:
Upon completing the Certified Processing Plant & Smelter Operations Professional/Manager (CPPSOP)™/(CPPSOM)™ program, participants will be able to:
- Understand Processing and Smelting Fundamentals – Gain deep knowledge of mineral processing stages, metallurgy, and smelting techniques.
- Optimize Plant and Furnace Operations – Improve throughput, recovery rates, and product quality.
- Implement Process Control and Automation – Use technology for real-time monitoring and efficiency gains.
- Ensure Regulatory and Environmental Compliance – Apply best practices for emissions control, waste management, and worker safety.
- Manage Maintenance and Asset Reliability – Reduce downtime with preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
- Integrate Sustainability and Energy Efficiency – Adopt eco-friendly production and energy-saving measures.
Certification Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for certification from The Operations Management Institute (OMI), candidates must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
And/or
- 0–4.9 years relevant experience for Professional level (CPPSOP)™, or 5+ years for Manager level (CPPSOM)™.
Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the OMI evaluation committee.
Certifying Examination:
- To be certified as CPPSOP™/CPPSOM™, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by OMI.
- The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
- Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.
Certification Modules:
- Module 1: Fundamentals of Processing Plant & Smelter Operations
- Module 2: Mineral Processing, Concentration, and Metallurgical Testing
- Module 3: Smelting Technologies, Furnace Operations, and Refining
- Module 4: Process Control, Automation, and Quality Management
- Module 5: Environmental, Health, and Safety Compliance in Processing & Smelting
- Module 6: Energy Optimization, Sustainability, and Continuous Improvement
* The Certification Title and its modules are regularly reviewed, updated and may change in alignment with evolving industry needs and regulatory standards.
Who Should Do This Certification:
The CPPSOP™/CPPSOM™ certification is ideal for professionals working in or aspiring to lead processing plant and smelter operations, including:
- Processing Plant Managers – Overseeing day-to-day mineral processing operations.
- Smelter Operations Managers – Managing furnace, casting, and refining activities.
- Metallurgical Engineers – Designing and optimizing processing and smelting workflows.
- Production Supervisors – Coordinating plant shifts and ensuring quality targets are met.
- Environmental and Safety Managers – Implementing compliance and safety programs.
- Consultants and Advisors – Offering operational improvement and process optimization solutions.
Key Benefits of CPPSOP / CPPSOM Certification:
- Professional Recognition – Validates your expertise in processing and smelter operations.
- Career Growth – Prepares you for leadership roles in mineral processing, metallurgy, and manufacturing.
- Global Relevance – Skills applicable across industries from mining to metals production.
- Practical Learning – Focus on real-world plant and smelter operational challenges.
- Professional Network – Connect with peers and industry experts worldwide.
- Measurable Impact – Increase recovery rates, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
- Best Practice Alignment – Based on global standards for processing and metallurgical operations.
The CPPSOP™/CPPSOM™ certification empowers professionals to manage processing plants and smelting operations that are efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible. Whether your objective is operational excellence, cost reduction, or environmental compliance, this program provides the advanced skills and strategies to succeed in the processing and metallurgy sector.
