Metallurgist
OFO No: 214605
Other names for Metallurgist:
- Assayer
- Extractive Metallurgist
- Industrial Metallurgist
- Metallographer
- Metals Scientist
- Physical Metallurgist
- Radiological Metallurgist
Youtube clip – A Day in the Life of a Metallurgist
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Metallurgist?
A Metallurgist is an engineer.
They study the characteristics and properties of metals. Some even have a geology background or work closely with Geologists.
A Metallurgist’s main job is to work out how to extract metals from ore.
There are 2 kinds of Metallurgists:
- Chemical & Physical
They study the physical make up of metals and how metals react to corrosion, temperatures, etc
- Process
They study how metals can be turned into something practical and useful
Metallurgists can work in many different sectors:
- Mining
- Heavy Metal Industries
- Jewellery Manufacturing
- Forensics
- Car Manufacturing
- Consulting (to companies and government) etc
What does a Metallurgist do?
- investigates and conducts research
- conducts laboratory experiments
- monitors the production and alloying of metals
- studies the make-up and properties of metals
- determines the location of metal for mining
- plans layouts of shafts and tunnels
- advises on efficient and suitable methods of mining
- liaises with geologists and other geophysical experts
- evaluates profitability of mines
Are you . . . ?
- interested in metals?
- interested in science?
- good at maths and science?
- observant?
- analytical?
- responsible and reliable?
- a team player?
How do I become a Metallurgist?
PATH 1
National Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering (Extraction Metallurgy)
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Metallurgical Engineering
- These can be done at some of the Universities of Technology
- 3 years workplace experience (registered as a Candidate Engineering Technologist through ECSA)
- Professional Review by ECSA
- Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineering Technologist.
PATH 2
Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry
or
Bachelor of Metallurgy Engineering
- These can be done at some of SA’s universities
- 3 years workplace experience (registered as a Candidate Engineer)
- Professional Review by ECSA
- Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
- ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)
ECSA is the national body that regulates professional engineers.
https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Geologist or Geophysical Technician
Is becoming a Metallurgist the right career choice for me?
