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 is 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 Technician
Metallurgical engineering technicians bridge the gap between metallurgical engineers and artisans. The technicians' main function is to assist in the search for metals and alloys with improved, desirable properties.
Metallurgy is a multidisciplinary field that combines engineering principles and the basic sciences to concentrate, extract and refine metals from ores, and to manufacture them into a wide variety of finished products, from everyday household utensils to sophisticated engineering components.
Metallurgical technicians find the most economical and practical ways of extracting metals from ores. This is done by studying and testing the structure and properties of metals to determine such things as grain structure, soundness, consistency and the physical properties and chemical content of various metal objects. The work entails testing the accuracy of instruments, calculating the necessary changes and ensuring that the finished work meets the specified quality standards.
The work of the metallurgical engineering technician is visible in a wide range of products. Metals are used in the construction of aeroplanes, chemical plants, cars, etc.
Satisfying Aspects
- opportunity to specialize in an interesting and varied field
- playing a key role in the development of metalliferous metals
Demanding aspects
- fault analysis can be frustrating
- determining the cause of defects in metals can sometimes take a long time
Requirements
A metallurgist should:
- have mathematical and scientific ability;
- have a thorough knowledge of scientific methods;
- able to think logically and analytically;
- have good judgement and common sense
- be creative, innovative and have a receptive attitude towards change
- have good interpersonal relations and leadership ability
- be computer literate
- be self-driven, motivated and some interest in finance
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Training
Degree: Metallurgical Engineering is offered at UP, UJ, Wits, Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering - Wits, Chemical and Minerals Engineering - NWU.
TUT and VUT also presents the National Diploma, BTech, MTech and DTech qualifications in Metallurgical Engineering,
Those with these degrees are eligible for registration as Engineers in Training. After gaining at least 3 years of appropriate practical experience, metallurgical engineers may register as Professional Engineers under the auspices of the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Employer
- such organizations as: Mittal Steel, MINTEK, CSIR, SABS, NECSA
- individual mining groups
- metal manufacturing industries
- iron and steel industry
- universities of technology and universities
- self-employment, with the necessary experience, can be an independent consultant
Contact
The Manpower and Training Officer
SA Chamber of Mining
P O Box 61809
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel. (011) 498-7100
The Manager: Manpower Suppliance
Genmin
P O Box 61820
Marshalltown, 2107
Tel. (011) 792-7090