Richard May's association with the minerals industry began with studying mineral processing. Since graduating, May has been fortunate to expand his knowledge through positions in operating plants; in technical support of reagent sales, particularly flotation reagents; research and development at the laboratory, pilot plant and plant scale; education; and engineering, and through working with many talented people. May has been fortunate to process minerals and metals from A to Z, and to work on projects in many parts of the world.

In parallel, May had the pleasure of being a member and Chair of the Canadian Mineral Processors, and after it merged with CIM, a member of CIM National, the Board of the New Brunswick Branch, and the Board of the Saskatoon Branch.