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WHAT IS METALLURGY AND WHO IS A METALLURGIST?
Metallurgy is a branch of materials science and engineering that studies the physical and chemical properties and behaviours of metallic elements, their metallic compounds and their mixtures (which are called alloys). It can also be defined as the science of extracting metals from their ores and modifying the metals for use. The compounds of the metals which are mixed with soil, limestone, sand and rocks are known as minerals. From these minerals, the pure metals are extracted at a low cost and with minimum effort using the science of metallurgy. In another way, metallurgy deals with the process of purification of metals and production of alloys such as steel or bronze. Therefore, a metallurgist is a person who is skilled in the science of metallurgy.
WHERE DO METALLURGISTS WORK?
Metallurgists work in mines (together with engineers and geologists) or in places such as metal production sites. They may also work in laboratories for research on metals and metallic substances. They are employed by companies in the mining industry, finances, research institutions and chemical engineering industries.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Since most metallurgists work for mines or metal production sites, most of the tasks at work involve the extraction of metals from ores or with the making of alloys. The tasks include extracting metals from ores by applying physical and chemical methods. They monitor the process of metal production, collect data and analyse it, provide solutions to problems encountered in this production and design new ways of extracting metals. Working with other professionals such as geologists, engineers, chemists and others, they also help find ways of extracting metals from ores in a cheap and easy way.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A METALLURGIST?
Depending on where a metallurgist is working from there may be shifts or not. In the mines, they may work day/night shifts so that they are able to monitor the production and extraction of metals from ores throughout the day. Although, this may not be the case in all the mines.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The biggest job market for metallurgists in Zambia still remains the mines. The biggest employers include metal mining companies such as First Quantum Minerals and Mopani Copper Mines. A metallurgist can also find a job in metal production companies such as Good Time Steel where steel productions are made. In Zambia there are not many metal producing companies so these companies do not make up a big part of the job market for a metallurgist.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
For someone to do metallurgy, they must have a good background as well as an interest in chemistry, physics and mathematics because these are the subjects that form the backbone of metallurgy.
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WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
At the university the courses in the program of metallurgy include chemistry, electrical engineering principles, engineering mechanics, engineering mathematics, physical metallurgy, extractive metallurgy, engineering materials, fluids mechanics, heat and mass transfer, mechanical metallurgy, chemical metallurgy, ferrous metallurgy, materials characterization, reactor engineering, process control, chemical engineering design, particle technology, pyrometallurgy/hydrometallurgy and others.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The minimum requirements to enter into metallurgy are five O' level credits or better inclusive of mathematics, English and the sciences. Being a competitive program, one needs to get good grades to stand a chance of getting accepted at the institutions at which they are offered especially if one wants to get a bachelor of engineering in minerals engineering / metallurgical engineering.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
After getting a degree one can get a masters in metallurgy to focus on a specific field. This also increases the chances of getting promoted to higher positions or going into academics by becoming a lecturer at a university. The masters programs include Master of Science in metallurgy and mineral processing (offered at the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt University) and Master of Science in chemical, biochemical and materials engineering, sustainable metals processing and others which may not be offered in Zambia.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER METALLURGY
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Duration: 5 years (B.Eng Minerals engineering/Metallurgical engineering) and 3 years (Diploma in Metallurgy)
Mode: Full time only
Admitting school: School of Mines and Mineral Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290873
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Duration: 5 years (Bachelor of Mineral Sciences in Metallurgy and Mineral Processing)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Mines
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts:
Tel: +26 021 129 1777
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-mineral-sciences-metallurgy-and-mineral-processing