Metallurgical Engineer

A metallurgical engineer, sometimes called a doctor of metals, is a person whose specialty is the extraction of metals from ores. Metallurgists may be directly involved in extraction at a mill or smelter, or they may be involved in mixing metals in a related industry field. Changing the shape, form and content of minerals through concentration, and the other extractive processes, metallurgists try to get the most out of the earth's valuable minerals. That task involves considerable research and management of the mineral processing process.

Metallurgists coordinate the sequence and efficiency of processes that are involved in treatment and preparation of the ore for further downstream processing. These processes may involve crushing and screening, grinding or leaching ore materials, and any concentration process such as froth flotation. The metallurgist has to oversee these processes so that the metallurgical efficiency can be assured. Some typical tasks are take samples from the same plant, analyze them, and make the corrections to the processes as can be required. For example, in mineral processing plant the metallurgist must control and monitor all processes involved by using mechanical tools or by employing a sophisticated computerized device. Other possible activities are to study the effects on the metallurgical performance when is changed any operative parameter such as the reagent concentration, slurry conductivity, density and pH of ores and the flow of the ore treated.

A key element in the extractive metallurgy is the metallurgists due to he can make significant contributions to the economy of the extractive process. Thus, for a metallurgical engineer, this is the most rewarding about his chosen profession. Also, It is believed that the metallurgist’s success is due to the professional interest and wisdom to face the different problems found on mineral processing. The decisions of metallurgists can make or break a company because when a change is required the metallurgist is sought. Identify, study and solve problems are a normal part of a metallurgist's working day. A strong interest in science and technology is the main requisite to be a good metallurgist else he can not take decision with a solid base of knowledge. Other abilities required are Good organizational and communication skills which trends to help his work alongside other personnel such as managers, mining engineers, geologists, and the same operators.

Metallurgists are employed by mining and mineral processing companies, including metal producers such as steelworks and smelters. Typically, they can work at mine sites, processing plants, factories, workshops, laboratories or offices. Also they work under different conditions which can vary from clean offices, to dirty processing plants. They have to handle dangerous chemicals and substances heated to very high temperatures. They may also need to travel to work sites far from their offices or attend conferences.

Without considering the work place, it is necessary to point out that the metallurgical engineer is person whose work makes possible to extract and recover all the metals used daily in each activity. The future of the extraction metals will be shaped by science and technology and metallurgists have an important place in this development.