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Science & ResearchISCO 2146

Chemical metallurgist

A chemical metallurgist is a person who works on extracting useful metals from ores and from recycled material, and on studying the properties of metals.

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Check yourself in a minute: chemical metallurgist

Rate 5 of the 23 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

ensure compliance with environmental legislation

conduct metallurgical structural analysis

join metals

manipulate metal

monitor manufacturing quality standards

About chemical metallurgist

Chemical metallurgy deals with getting metal out of ore. The metallurgist runs and develops the processes in which metal is separated from rock and from impurities: leaching, precipitation, electrolysis, roasting and reduction. The metallurgist knows the chemical technologies used in metal production and in non-ferrous metal processing, and in recovery from recycled material works with feedstock of variable composition.

The metallurgist also studies corrosion and fatigue, carries out metallurgical structural analysis, examining the internal structure of the metal, and assesses how an alloy will behave in service: under fluctuating load, at raised temperature, in an aggressive environment. They know precious metal alloys and the chemical processes that separate them.

The metallurgist develops new installations and changes to existing ones, monitors conformity with production quality standards, checking that the product meets the set requirements, and observes occupational health and safety rules, because the processes involve acids and high temperatures.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a chemical metallurgist.

1

Ore Analysis and Characterization

  • Analyze chemical composition and mineral content of ore samples
  • Determine extraction feasibility and metal recovery potential
  • Test ore quality and identify impurities that affect processing
2

Extraction Process Development

  • Design and optimize chemical extraction procedures for metal recovery
  • Develop processes for extracting metals from recycled materials
  • Conduct pilot-scale experiments to test new extraction methods
  • Monitor and control chemical reactions to achieve target yields
3

Material Properties and Performance Research

  • Study corrosion resistance and degradation mechanisms in metals
  • Investigate fatigue properties and stress-strain relationships
  • Evaluate metal durability under various environmental conditions
  • Conduct metallurgical testing and microstructural analysis
4

Quality Control and Refinement

  • Test purity and specifications of extracted metals
  • Identify impurities and develop purification methods
  • Refine processes to improve metal quality and reduce waste
5

Environmental and Safety Compliance

  • Develop extraction methods that minimize environmental impact
  • Ensure safe handling of chemicals and hazardous materials
  • Document processes and results for regulatory compliance

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (23)

non-ferrous metal processingnon-ferrous metal processingVarious processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.precious metalsprecious metalsTypes of rare metal that occur naturally and have a high economic value.metal and metal ore productsmetal and metal ore productsThe offered metal and metal ore products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.chemical technologies in metal manufacturechemical technologies in metal manufactureThe chemical procedures and technologies used in basic metal production.alloys of precious metalsalloys of precious metalsTypes of material that consist of two or more metals or non-metals.ferrous metal processingferrous metal processingVarious processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.metal forming technologiesmetal forming technologiesThe variety of technologies and techniques, such as forging, pressing, stamping, rolling and others, used for the forming processes of metal product manufacturing.chemical processeschemical processesThe relevant chemical processes used in manufacture, such as purification, seperation, emulgation and dispergation processing.oxidationoxidationOxidation and reduction are chemical processes characterised in terms of oxygen, hydrogen or electrons transfer that occurs during a reaction between a molecule, atom or ion.types of metaltypes of metalQualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.precious metal processingprecious metal processingVarious processing methods on precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum.ensure compliance with environmental legislationensure compliance with environmental legislationMonitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation....conduct metallurgical structural analysisconduct metallurgical structural analysisPerform detailed analysis related to researching and testing new metal products.join metalsjoin metalsJoin together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.manipulate metalmanipulate metalManipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.monitor manufacturing quality standardsmonitor manufacturing quality standardsMonitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.work in metal manufacture teamswork in metal manufacture teamsAbility to work confidently within a metal manufacturing group with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.prepare scientific reportsprepare scientific reportsPrepare reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.perform sample testingperform sample testingExamine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.prepare samples for testingprepare samples for testingTake and prepare samples for testing, verify their representability; avoid bias and any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination. Provide clear numbering, labelling and recording of the s...assess suitability of metal types for specific applicationassess suitability of metal types for specific applicationAssess the physical nature and structural composition of various metals and alloys, and analyse how the materials behave in different circumstances.develop new installationsdevelop new installationsDesign and develop new facilities and installations, conduct feasibility studies.apply health and safety standardsapply health and safety standardsAdhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
Optional (14) — show
physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.types of metal manufacturing processestypes of metal manufacturing processesMetal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.process incident reports for preventionprocess incident reports for preventionVerify incident information, complete reporting requirements and report to management and relevant site personnel, in order to enable follow-up and future prevention.interpret extraction datainterpret extraction dataProcess and interpret extraction data and send feedback to the development teams. Apply learnings to concrete operational activities.ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.extract materials from furnaceextract materials from furnaceRemove materials from the furnace using a crane, a conveyor, by tilting the furnace, or using other methods.prepare extraction proposalsprepare extraction proposalsPrepare detailed extraction proposals by putting together subsurface information about extraction site and agreement of partners involved.extract products from mouldsextract products from mouldsRemove finished products from moulds and examine them in detail for anomalies.liaise with quality assuranceliaise with quality assuranceWork closely with the relevant quality assurance or grading party involved.monitor extraction logging operationsmonitor extraction logging operationsMonitor logging operations and oversee formation testing and sampling operations. Analyse and interpret results.install monitors for process controlinstall monitors for process controlPlan and deploy a system of monitors for controlling specific processes in an organisation or a system.separate metals from oresseparate metals from oresApply various chemical and physical methods to separate minerals from their ores such as magnetic, electric or chemical methods.test raw mineralstest raw mineralsTake samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.innovation processesinnovation processesThe techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a chemical metallurgist do?

Chemical metallurgists are involved in the extraction of useable metals from ores and recycleable material. They study the properties of metal, such as corrosion and fatigue.

What skills does a chemical metallurgist need?

A chemical metallurgist needs 23 essential skills, including non-ferrous metal processing, precious metals, metal and metal ore products, chemical technologies in metal manufacture, alloys of precious metals.

Will AI replace chemical metallurgist jobs?

The AI disruption score for chemical metallurgist is 39/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: interpret extraction data, process incident reports for prevention, alloys of precious metals. Most resilient: manipulate metal, extract products from moulds, types of metal.

Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills23

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