Metallurgy is the science of the physical and chemical behaviours of metals and their purification. 

Extractive metallurgists apply their expertise in chemistry, environmental science and mineralogy to find the best way to extract minerals and metals for natural ores and operate extraction plants at maximum capacity. Metallurgists also work on designing new extraction and processing methods for minerals and metals, often in liaison with other mining professionals.

All Curtin metallurgy courses are embedded with the principles of responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and occupational health and safety.

This course produces graduate who are capable of designing, operating and managing metallurgical process systems.

You will undertake advanced training in the core disciplines of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, process control, process mineralogy, modelling, simulation and optimisation of mineral processing plants, as well as optional specialist units required to further your career in the minerals industry. 

As you learn to design and supervise the processes that separate metals from their ores, you will consider how they affect the environment, the conservation of energy and the proper disposal of the waste tailings. 

This course includes field and laboratory work, specialised project work and report writing. 

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information. 

Why study

• These courses provide a professional conversion opportunity for non-metallurgy graduates.
• Graduates enjoy enhanced employment opportunities.
• Our courses are tailored to meet the needs of both students and industry.

Careers for extractive metallurgy specialists include in-house specialists in mining and chemical companies, consultants, academics and researchers.