Metallurgy is the art of extracting metals from ore and forms an essential part of the mining effort. Metallurgical engineers play an important role in the development of metalliferous minerals used daily in many products such as alarms, kettles, cars, etc.
The metallurgical engineer works with metals and alloys in the development, production and manufacturing of metal items and structures that range from tiny precision-made components to huge heavy engineering parts. They work with a wide range of products including copper sheet, precious metals, iron, steel, zinc, copper and aluminium alloys and are trained in the processes and methods for the reclamation and processing of ore and mineral resources. After the process of purification, the metallurgical engineer combines science, mathematical and engineering principles to extract various kinds of metal from the ore. The optimally correct metal for each application must be created.
Apart from producing metal products the metallurgical engineer must also be able to determine the cause of defects in metals and prescribe possible solutions.
Metallurgical engineering can be divided into two complementary fields:
Extraction metallurgy or minerals processing: This is the science and technology of refining and processing minerals to useful metals by way of production and manufacturing processes. First, the preparation of reclaimed ore for the extraction process is handled and secondly the reclamation of metal from the prepared ore is taken care of. After the ore has been prepared, it undergoes a further extraction process through which metal is obtained from the concentrate - see Extraction Metallurgist for further details.
Material engineering or physical metallurgy: This field is concerned with original raw materials that are alloyed, formed into useful components and treated with heat to achieve the required characteristics. This includes combining different metals to form alloys which give products with specific qualities, such as sheets, wire and bars. The metallurgical engineer must also determine the cause of defects in metals and suggest repair measures - see Materials Scientist / Engineer for further details.
Metallurgical Engineering Technicians and Technologists - see Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
Important skills are innovation, commercial awareness, organisation, interpersonal skills, problem- solving skills, communication skills, team working skills, good IT skills and analytical skills.