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 many areas of everyday life, including energy production, food production, housing and transportation.

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’ll gain a thorough grounding in chemical and physical engineering, economic, environmental and sustainable principles, and the extraction of metals from ores. This course also includes a strong management component.

Following your Engineering Foundation Year (EFY) at Curtin Perth, you can go directly to Curtin Kalgoorlie, or study your second year in Perth before completing your third and fourth years in Kalgoorlie. Studying in Kalgoorlie will provide you with meaningful exposure to the mining industry.

In your final year you’ll undertake a major research and design project.

Why study

• Metallurgical engineering offers a range of career opportunities, including in metallurgical processing plants, engineering companies, consultancies, research and development companies, and finance and banking institutions within Australia and internationally.
• Curtin provides well-equipped laboratories for hands-on training.
• We have excellent links with industry.
• You'll 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.

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.

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