The course is delivered in two parallel parts; one part covering case studies on the extractive metallurgy of iron/steel, copper, aluminum, lead and zinc, and a second part covering metallurgical theory and principles. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on pyrometallurgical processing, but also hydrometallurgical aspects will be covered. The course takes most of its examples from the extraction of iron/steel and copper, but aspects of other metals, notably, aluminum, lead and zinc, are also considered. Knowledge and skills for the use of commercial metallurgical chemical thermodynamic databases such as Thermo-Calc and HSC as well as user programmed interactive spreadsheets will also be developed.
MH2029 Extractive Metallurgy 6.0 credits
This course will be discontinued.
Decision to discontinue this course:
The course will be discontinued at the end of the spring term 2028, in accordance with Faculty Board decision PA-2026-011.
Date of decision: 26 August 2026
The course was last taught in the autumn term 2023. The final examination for the course took place in the autumn term 2025.
The final opportunity to sit the examination for the course will be in the spring term 2028.
Information per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus MH2029 (Autumn 2026–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus MH2029 (Autumn 2026–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After the course the studnet should be abel to:
- To develop students’ knowledge of current methods to recover base metals from natural ores and man made raw materials.
- To develop students’ individual skills at performing relevant heat, mass and thermodynamic calculations for the extraction of base metals.
- To develop students’ individual skills at interpreting the significance of the results of these calculations.
- To develop students’ team skills in interpreting the significance of the results of the calculations.
- To develop the students’ decision-making skills as required for the design, improvement, operation and profitability of non-ferrous extractive metallurgical processing.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
MH2026 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
Literature
You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- ÖVN1 - Assignments, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Written examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
This course does not belong to any Main field of study.
Education cycle
Second cycle
Transitional regulations
Contact the course coordinator