Extractive Metallurgist
Job overview
Extractive metallurgists are concerned with the recovery of useful metals or minerals such as gold, coal, diamonds, copper and iron from ore bodies.
What do people do in this occupation?
Some ore bodies contain as little as 5 grams per ton? (5 parts per million?) ?of a precious metal.
Extractive metallurgists are required not only to recover these small amounts of material but also to do so in the most economical way.
Extractive metallurgy includes the following branches:-
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Mathematical aptitude and scientific interest are important for extractive metallurgists.
Insight, logical thinking, well-developed problem solving skills and self-discipline are also important qualities.
An ability to work with and to lead people, as well as good communication skills are essential.
They must also have a detailed understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of metals and minerals.
They will need to use this knowledge to design, test, operate and maintain processes and plants to extract and separate these metals and minerals.
Because of the need to recover as much of the mineral as possible, modern plants use the latest instruments and computers to help monitor the processes and pinpoint problems on the plant as soon as they occur.
The metallurgist will need to become knowledgeable about these instruments.
What qualifications are needed?
A minimum of a BSc degree, with majors in mathematics and chemistry.
Companies employing extractive metallurgists will probably send new graduates on courses to extend their knowledge of the discipline.
