BASc, MASc, PhD
5T0 Metallurgy
Inducted: 1992
A visionary extractive metallurgist who became Vice Chairman of Inco Ltd., Walter Curlook brought a commitment to excellence in everything he undertook in a long and innovative career.
Ontario mining especially has benefited from his research discoveries in mineral treatment, notably in nickel from sulfide and laterite ores — roasting reduction, converting, leaching, separation and removal. His powerful and inquiring mind led to, among other things, many patents and scholarly publications.
Walter Curlook exhibited a lifelong dedication to higher education in several forms. He was the founding Chair of Cambrian College in Sudbury and sister colleges in North Bay and Sault St. Marie, Ontario. Another was the Nickel Development Institute, and international organizations.
Achievements
• 14 patents and 76 publications to date
• Creation of the Centre for Chemical Process Metallurgy
• AIREY award of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
• Honourary Doctor of Science degree from Laurentian University (1983)
• McCharles Prize (U of T) for improved processes for treating Canadian ores and minerals (1987)
• Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (1988)
• CIM Fellowship from the Metallurgical Society of CIM for outstanding Contributions