Senior Applications Engineer Irfan Satria Putra returned to Institut Teknologi Bandung to share practical insights that help students prepare for careers in mining and mineral processing.
Key Facts
- Irfan Satria Putra met with Metallurgical Engineering students at Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia to discuss the transition from study to industry careers.
- The session explored how metallurgical concepts are applied in real operating environments and what workplace expectations look like for graduate engineers.
- Drawing on his field experience across Indonesia, Irfan provided real examples that helped students connect academic learning with practical, site based challenges.
Connecting Education with Industry
Rather than delivering a formal lecture, Irfan encouraged students to ask questions about career pathways, early career responsibilities and the expectations placed on graduate engineers. His blend of academic knowledge and operational experience helped bridge the gap between classroom concepts and day to day decision making on mining sites.
Molycop Senior Applications Engineer Irfan Satria Putra speaking to Metallurgical Engineering students at Institut Teknologi Bandung
Building Strong Technical and Professional Foundations
Drawing on his experience supporting mining operations across Indonesia, Irfan emphasised the importance of mastering fundamental metallurgical principles — the backbone of mineral processing performance. These fundamentals are critical when applied to grinding circuits, operational constraints and downstream recovery.He highlighted how theory becomes critical when applied to grinding circuits and operational constraints. He also emphasised the value of clear communication, teamwork and problem-solving in site-based engineering roles that involve frequent collaboration with colleagues, operators and customers:
Each operation presents unique challenges. Staying curious, adaptable and humble, asking questions and being prepared to learn from experienced colleagues and operators helps young engineers build confidence and capability.
Irfan engaged with students in a lively Q&A session
Supporting Indonesia’s Future Engineers
Irfan outlined how the role of an Applications Engineer at Molycop blends technical analysis, troubleshooting, optimisation and close engagement with customers. His real-world insights — informed by both his academic journey and his career supporting mining operations across Indonesia and Southeast Asia — gave students a clearer understanding of how metallurgical expertise is applied in practice.For Irfan, the visit was a meaningful opportunity to give back to the institution that helped shape his career. For Molycop, it reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to developing regional talent, strengthening links between industry and education and supporting the future of mining in Indonesia and beyond.
