Metallurgical Engineering

Metallurgical engineers mostly work in converting raw metals and minerals into more useable formats, such as converting iron ore and coal into steel. They extract, refine and recycle metals and minerals that are used in energy production, food production, housing, transportation and other areas that play in an important part in most aspects of everyday life.

In this major you will learn to design, develop, optimise and manage the operation of metallurgical processing plants that transform low-value raw materials into useful, high-value mineral and metal products in an economical and environmentally responsible way.

You will receive a strong grounding in chemical and physical engineering, economic, environmental and sustainable principles, and the extraction of metals from ores. The course also includes a strong management component.

After your Engineering Foundation Year in Perth, you can go directly to Curtin’s Kalgoorlie Campus, or study for a second year in Perth before completing your third and final years in Kalgoorlie. Studying in Kalgoorlie will provide you with meaningful exposure to the mining industry.

In your final year of study you will undertake a major research and design project.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information. 

Why study

• Well-equipped laboratories for hands-on training
• Excellent links to industry.
• You will have the opportunity to study at Curtin’s WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, a leader in mining and geosciences education in Australia.
• As a metallurgical engineer, you may find employment in metallurgical processing plants, engineering companies, consultancies, research and development companies, and academic, finance and banking institutions within Australia or internationally.

Student profile

View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Professional recognition

Graduates fulfil the stage one competencies required by Engineers Australia.

The course is also recognised by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Career information

Careers

• Metallurgist
• Hydrometallurgist
• Metallurgical engineer
• Minerals engineer
• Process control specialist
• Process engineer
• Process mineralogy specialist
• Pyrometallurgy specialist

Industries

• Banking and finance
• Engineering
• Equipment design and sales
• Food production
• Housing
• Mining and minerals processing
• Research and development
• Transportation

Further study

• Graduate Diploma in Metallurgy
• Master of Engineering Management
• Master of Engineering Science (Metallurgy)
• Master of Engineering Science (Mining)
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

What you'll learn

• apply scientific and engineering principles to metallurgical process development including sound risk management, environmental and OHS practice
• think critically and creatively to generate innovative solutions and apply logical and rational processes to analyse metallurgical technology practice
• access, evaluate and synthesise metallurgical information from multiple sources
• communicate in ways appropriate to the discipline of minerals engineering and metallurgy
• use and apply technologies, recognising their advantages and limitations when applied to minerals and metallurgical information
• demonstrate responsibility and self-learning skills by applying critical reflection and being proactive
• describe and apply international best practice standards in minerals engineering and metallurgical methods and technologies
• demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life
• work ethically and professionally, both within a team and independently

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