Extractive Metallurgy

Welcome!

Extractive metallurgy is about the processing of minerals to produce metals and mineral products, thereby adding value to the mineral resources that underpin Australia's economy. These processes involve the liberation and concentration of the valuable minerals from ores, followed by the extraction of metals from these concentrates by chemical leaching, separation and precipitation techniques, and high-temperature smelting. If you have a strong interest in applied sciences then a degree in extractive metallurgy could be the pathway to a satisfying professional career.

Just what makes a career in extractive metallurgy so rewarding?

• You play a key role in the development of Australia's economy. The value of mineral exports - in gold, iron ore, alumina, nickel, diamonds, salt, titanium, copper, zinc and tantalum - far exceeds foreign earnings from agriculture.
• Your work bridges science and engineering in the design, commissioning, operation and management of mineral processing plants. It is "high tech" work, involving applications of computing to process control and process modelling. Research and the development of new processes are important as the mining industry tackles more difficult ores and strives to improve its efficiency.
• Your job prospects are good. The small number of graduate metallurgists produced worldwide means good job prospects even in times of downturn in the Australian mining industry. Salary packages for graduates in their first years of professional employment are around $50,000 per year. Students can earn as much as $10,000 in summer vacation jobs - and get valuable industry experience at the same time.

Murdoch offers degree programs for undergraduates, programs for professional development and high quality research training. Our degree programs can be studied on-campus, in the external mode and part-time.

• For undergraduates there is a 4-year Bachelor of Extractive Metallurgy degree. A 3-year BSc (Mineral Science) degree is also available for those who wish to combine studies in extractive metallurgy with another degree.
• For graduates in engineering or science there is a one-year, course-work program leading to a Graduate Diploma in Extractive Metallurgy. From 2003 this degree will be re-structured to a Post Graduate Diploma in Extractive Metallurgy. This qualification enables you to add extractive metallurgy to your initial training and improve your employment prospects by so doing.
• Postgraduate research training in Extractive Metallurgy and Mineral Chemistry is a special strength of Murdoch University. The close association with the internationally renowned AJ Parker Cooperative Research Centre in Hydrometallurgy, based at Murdoch, ensures interesting research topics and the highest quality research supervision. Opportunities exist for PhD and Honours research programs, with many projects based on industrial problems.

Extractive metallurgy is an excellent professional career. I invite you to contact us for further information about our degree programs and to visit our laboratories.