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Metallurgist

Also known as Metallurgical Engineer and Minerals Process Engineer. Metallurgists research, control and develop processes that are used in extracting minerals from ore (rock) for refining metals.

Metallurgists work at mines, mineral processing sites, laboratories, research centres or offices.

They usually work with other professionals such as mining or construction engineers, geologists, mineralogists, technicians and tradespeople.

TASKS

Metallurgists may perform the following tasks:

apply physical and chemical methods to separate valuable minerals from their ores
design processes to separate valuable minerals from ores and to reduce minerals to metals and alloys
design and operate plants to produce concentrated mineral products and metals
supervise sampling from various stages of processing for laboratory analysis and testing
modify and develop processes to improve recovery and quality as well as to reduce waste and costs
develop and operate processes to meet environmental requirements
supervise a team of metallurgists, technicians and other workers
advise operators on production methods and quality control systems
communicate with other professionals (such as geologists, mining engineers, chemists, administrators and managers) to improve efficiencies
control expenditure and prepare budgets and technical reports

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy technical and engineering work
willing to adhere to safety requirements
able to identify, analyse and solve problems
good oral and written communication skills
practical and creative
able to work independently or as part of a team
able to accept responsibility

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a metallurgist you usually have to complete a degree in metallurgical or chemical engineering, or science with a major in metallurgy. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates of accredited courses may be eligible to join the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Engineers Australia or Materials Australia. Visit their websites for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Metallurgists are employed in production, research and technical sales in companies that mine and process metals, as well as in related research organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). They are also employed by government departments. Some metallurgists find employment in educational institutions, as well as in marketing and technical sales for companies dealing in metal products and coated products.

After several years of experience, metallurgists may move into middle or senior-level management positions. Others form their own companies that provide advice to companies and firms involved in metal production.

Demand for metallurgists is dependent on the level of activity in the mining, metals and materials manufacturing industries.