Metallurgical Processes

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
ENGP X407
Course ID icon
Course ID
206837
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
4
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to provide an understanding of metallurgy techniques that are used in the processing of minerals. The course provides an introduction to the thermodynamics of pyrometallurgical processes including predominance area and Ellingham diagrams and the physical chemistry and transport phenomena involved in a number of pyrometallurgical unit operations including, agglomeration, roasting, smelting, thermal and electrolytic refining. This course aligns with the programs intent to demonstrate a chemical engineering body of knowledge and apply this knowledge along with critical thinking, creativity, and innovation for industrial and real-life complex problems.

  • Introduction
  • Water Chemistry
  • Leaching
  • Separation And Purification
  • Metal Recovery
  • Pyrometallurgy

Course learning outcomes

  • Explain the driving forces behind the thermodynamics and kinetics of leaching and how they impact the design of a hydrometallurgical process;
  • Explain the concepts of solids/liquids separation and how to apply to a process;
  • Discuss the concepts and design of separation and purification including; solvent extraction; ion exchange; precipitation; crystallisation; and membrane treatment;
  • Explain the concepts and design of metal recovery processes including; cementation; reduction; electrowinning and electrolytic refining; and precious metal recovery;
  • Apply basic engineering principles to the design of pyrometallurgical processes; and
  • Explain the thermodynamics, kinetics, and physical chemistry of pyrometallurgy.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A