The Extractive Metallurgy Specialisation provides a mining engineer with an understanding of processing, the role it plays in the value chain and the key relationship between the mine and mill. The knowledge provided allows insight into the factors that influence the operation of processing facilities and methods for how to manage them. This will assist in connecting the management of mine production and plant operation and better prepare the engineer for future roles. In this specialisation you have the opportunity to select a preferred focus on either the mineral processing area of the operation - crushing, grinding and physical separation – or chemical extraction – leaching, smelting and refining. These processes are linked to ore characteristics (process mineralogy) showing the treatment regimes required for various commodities and deposit types. Sustainable processing of minerals via optimization of water and energy consumption and waste management protocols will be highlighted.