Abstract

Metallurgy is both an ancient art and a modern science, requiring detailed knowledge of the structure, properties, and behavior of metals and metal alloys. Whereas for many metals, the primary source materials are crude metalliferous ores, for some metals recycled material, ie, scrap, contributes significantly to total metal production. Extractive processes for ores or scrap, which may be physical or chemical and may include treatment for prevention of corrosion, processing of metals or alloys by heat treatment, casting, etc, and physical measurements relating to failure analysis and other structure/property relationships, are all areas of metallurgy. Terms used in metallurgy are defined. The relationship between ore grades, metal prices, and economic feasibility is discussed.