Metallurgist
Metallurgists are a subset of a larger category of physical science professionals. Metallurgists primarily study the processing and composition of various metals. They also do work on studying extraction processes.
Duties and tasks
- Advising miners and others who work with metals on the proper process for separating minerals and metals from their ores
- Assisting in producing commercial metal products
- Developing new extraction and processing methods for metals
- Observing and advising on welding, heat treating, casting, and alloying processes
- Researching and studying the composition of metals
Skills required
- Active listening skills
- Excellent knowledge of physical science
- Oral and written communication skills
- Reading comprehension
- Use of logic, critical thinking, and reasoning to solve complex problems
Working conditions
Metallurgists are found in a variety of settings. They may work in commercial labs or for other private industries. They also may work for governments or in university or other academic settings.
Professional associations / Industry information
Materials Australia
The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Related jobs and job titles
- Chemical Engineer
- Geologist
- Materials Engineer
- Materials Scientist
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Minerals Engineer