OSCA occupation

OSCA 243132: Extractive Metallurgist

Researches, develops, tests, controls and provides advice on processes used in extracting metals from their ores, and processes used for casting, alloying or heat treating metals to produce commercial products or develop new alloys, techniques and processes. This record sits in Chemical and Materials Engineering Professionals. Related ANZSIC industry links are included for faster classification cross-checking. Skill level 1 is attached to this occupation record.

Should you use OSCA or ANZSCO?

OSCA 2024 is the current Australian occupation classification for storing, organising and reporting occupation information. Use this OSCA record for current Australian statistical and analytical classification work.

Some migration and administrative programs still specify ANZSCO 2022. Check the exact system named by the agency or form rather than replacing the code automatically.

Check the current ABS guidance on OSCA and ANZSCO use

Official ANZSCO correspondence

Role overview

Researches, develops, tests, controls and provides advice on processes used in extracting metals from their ores, and processes used for casting, alloying or heat treating metals to produce commercial products or develop new alloys, techniques and processes.

Use this page to confirm the official title, the parent unit group, the task list and the related ANZSIC industry context before using the occupation in classification, reporting or migration-adjacent workflows.

Occupation facts

Skill level
1
Major group
2 Professionals
Sub-major group
24 Design, Engineering and Science Professionals
Minor group
243 Engineering Professionals
Unit group
2431 Chemical and Materials Engineering Professionals

Tasks

  • Applies physical and chemical methods to separate and concentrate valuable minerals and metals from ores
  • Designs process flowsheets and metallurgical plant processes used to extract metals and minerals from ores
  • Manages process, metallurgical, smelter and refinery plant operational performance
  • Produces metal and mineral concentrates, and refined or alloyed metals for market
  • Analyses, develops, produces and improves the quality and purity of metals and alloys
  • Develops and improves control methods to store and treat waste material produced in extractive metallurgical processes

Skill level guidance

Skill level helps place the occupation inside the ABS hierarchy. Use it as a classification cue, then check the actual task list and occupational context before making a decision for HR, visa or reporting work.

How to use this occupation page

Start with the official OSCA title and task list. Then confirm the parent unit group and compare the related occupations on this page if the job title is broad, overlapping or used differently across employers.

The ANZSIC links are there to help when the same occupation appears across several industries and you need the business-side classification as well.

Compare before choosing

Compare OSCA 243132 with related occupations

Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.

Comparison pointCurrent code243132 Extractive Metallurgist243131 Chemical Engineer243133 Materials Engineer
Official role definitionResearches, develops, tests, controls and provides advice on processes used in extracting metals from their ores, and processes used for casting, alloying or heat treating metals to produce commercial products or develop new alloys, techniques and processes.Designs and develops chemical process systems, equipment and specifications for the construction and operation of chemical plants and commercial-scale production, including transportation of chemicals, materials and energy. Supervises industrial processing and fabrication of products undergoing physical and chemical changes.Investigates the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials to assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications, such as in the design of composite materials, corrosion resistance and protection, and welding and fabrication.
Skill levelSkill Level 1Skill Level 1Skill Level 1
Key tasks
  • Applies physical and chemical methods to separate and concentrate valuable minerals and metals from ores
  • Designs process flowsheets and metallurgical plant processes used to extract metals and minerals from ores
  • Manages process, metallurgical, smelter and refinery plant operational performance
  • Produces metal and mineral concentrates, and refined or alloyed metals for market
  • Researches, designs, develops and improves chemical processes, process systems, reactions and materials
  • Identifies ways to optimise performance of chemical equipment and processes while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations
  • Develops operating procedures, safety protocols and methods to deal with by-products and waste materials, and troubleshoots problems with chemical manufacturing processes
  • Collaborates with plant designers to develop chemical plant specifications, equipment and control instruments for the production process
  • Researches and analyses the properties of various materials to produce new composite materials
  • Tests materials under different conditions to examine their properties and behaviour to determine their use in various applications or in the development of new technologies
  • Analyses the results of laboratory testing on faulty materials to determine the causes of material defects and develop solutions
  • Studies the performance of materials to evaluate their deterioration rate under different conditions and identify main factors contributing to degradation

Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.

Compliance risk score

4 of 4 factors passing

10 / 10
Verified official source
- ABS OSCA occupation record present
Previous edition migration
- OSCA to ANZSCO correspondence attached
Complete hierarchy
- Major, sub-major, minor and unit group links are present
Legacy crosswalk
- Legacy ANZSCO correspondence attached

How we calculate this score →

In this section

Frequently asked questions

What does OSCA 243132 do?

Extractive Metallurgist is the current ABS occupation record used to describe a specific occupation. It sits in the OSCA hierarchy and carries skill-level context plus related titles and tasks.

How should I read the skill level?

The skill level tells you the educational or training depth that the ABS associates with the occupation. It is a classification signal, not a salary band or a qualification checklist on its own.

Why is industry context shown on an occupation page?

Industry context helps when the title is common or ambiguous. It shows where the occupation is typically employed so you can compare it with the right ANZSIC family.

Source and trust

Official source
ABS OSCA 2024 release and correspondence tables
Last reviewed
2026-04-17

This site is an independent reference resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the ABS, ATO or any Australian Government agency.

Please verify critical classification decisions with the official authority before using them for tax, payroll, licensing, immigration or compliance work.

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