17 January 2024

“Chris was a natural problem-solver and innovator,” remembers Angela Hamlyn, CIM CEO. "He generously and enthusiastically shared his time, talents and astute insights, mentoring and influencing a multitude of individuals towards the betterment of CIM and our industry. We will feel the loss of this influential leader whose keen mind, inspirational guidance, and incomparable smile has impacted so many of us. We extend our sincere condolences to Annie and the rest of his family, friends and colleagues.”

Chris served as President of CIM 2010-2011 and President of the CIM Metallurgy and Materials Society (MetSoc)1996-1997. His contributions to CIM were recognized with many awards, including the 2020 Vale Medal for Meritorious Contributions to Mining, the 2016 CIM Distinguished Service Medal, and the 2001 CIM Fellowship.

Named as a CIM Distinguished Lecturer in 2013, Chris shared his expertise across the CIM ecosystem in a presentation titled, “Conflict minerals: What are they and why should we care?”

Born in the United Kingdom, Chris embarked on an academic journey that led him to the University of Toronto, where he pursued and successfully completed his Ph.D. in fluid mechanics.

Chris joined Hatch upon graduation and remained there for 49 years. During that time, he contributed to technical studies, research and development programs, and the design and commissioning of major metallurgical facilities. His expertise and leadership were crucial in the successful initiation of Hatch's operations in Russia, Chile, and Peru.

Chris played a pivotal role in expanding the company's presence in China, overseeing its growth and contributing significantly to the development, global marketing, and sales of Hatch technologies.

“Dr. Chris Twigge-Molecey started at Hatch in 1972, not long before I joined the Horne smelter in Rouyn-Noranda as Technical Superintendent,” Phillip Mackey, President, P.J.Mackey Technology Inc. “Hatch was providing engineering support to the new Noranda Process Reactor that had just about started up. I soon learned of Chris’s outstanding technical and analytical ability in understanding operational issues and solving problems. His early analysis of converter operations, carried out about this time in association with Heath and Sherwood of Gaspé puncher fame, was far-sighted.

"My second act in working with Chris over more than 35 years was on several MetSoc and CIM committees and as a fellow Past-President of MetSoc. I have many cherished memories. He was a joy to work with, again Chris shone. He provided exceptional leadership at MetSoc as President and a great team member. Chris had the rare ability in certain situations to calmly let people know the way things really were while offering a course of action that was acceptable to all.

"Very recently, when some of us wanted to increase the visibility of mining and metallurgy in Canada amid a sea of announcements about battery plants, Chris contributed hugely to these efforts. Sadly, his work in this area now remains unfinished, our work will continue but will not be the same without him. We will all miss him dearly.”

In 2017, Chris, along with three colleagues and 17 authors, published the book Metallurgical Plant Design. This collaborative effort addressed a significant gap in the industry related to the design of properly functioning metallurgical facilities.

CIM remembers Chris as a visionary leader, a respected professional, and a mentor whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

Obituary and funeral details