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Careers in Anglo Platinum
Metallurgy
In Anglo Platinum, metallurgists and chemical engineers work side by side in the same job categories and are referred to generically as metallurgists.
The metallurgist participates in the process of extracting metals from the ore and the subsequent refining of the metals. Removing ore from the mine and transporting it to the extraction plants is expensive, and it is the metallurgist's task to ensure that the greatest amount of metals is won from the ore at the lowest possible overall cost. In addition, the impact on the environment must be minimised, and the safety and health of people working in the extraction plants must be ensured.
To achieve these goals, the metallurgist must understand the complicated physical and chemical processes that take place during the metal extraction process. The metallurgist must also understand how the sophisticated equipment works.
There are many facets to the metallurgist's profession. Most metallurgists will specialise in one or more of the aspects.
Some of these aspects are:
Production support/plant troubleshooting
The metallurgist monitors plant performance and investigates solutions to problems. This involves observation of operating practices, sampling campaigns, the analysis of the resultant data and the implementation of plans to resolve problems.
Plant optimisation and projects
The Metallurgist is continuously seeking ways in which to increase plant efficiency. This could include implementation of new equipment, different reagents, or more efficient processes.
Another aspect involves the commissioning of entirely new plants or newly installed equipment. After making any necessary changes to the original plant design, the metallurgist must ensure that the installed equipment operates at optimum efficiency.
Plant design. Plants often need to be expanded or modified. Occasionally new plants may be established. Metallurgists, together with other types of engineers, must select the best process, and design the plant in such a way as to achieve cost effective and safe operations.
Fundamental research. Research work on specific problems is normally conducted under controlled conditions in laboratories or in small-scale pilot plants.
Metallurgists at Anglo Platinum have the prospect of following a career in a variety of fields ranging from mineral processing, smelting and metal refining through plant design. In all of these fields, the career path of a Metallurgist can follow a production management route, which involves the broad management of operating plants. Alternatively, a metallurgist may choose to follow a technical career in design work, fundamental research or the management of these technical activities.
Career Path
