Copper Smelter
せいどうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that melts and refines copper ore at high temperatures to manufacture copper ingots and refined copper.
Description
Copper smelters melt copper ore after ore crushing in high-temperature furnaces, removing oxides and impurities to produce crude copper. They further produce high-purity copper ingots and bars through electrolytic refining, and perform casting and mold forming. Chemical knowledge and heavy machinery operation skills are required for tasks such as furnace temperature control, chemical analysis of molten metal, and adjustment of electrolytic solutions. Operations in high-temperature environments, handling of high-pressure gases, and management of electrolytic cells make safety management and maintenance inspections critically important.
Future Outlook
While there is stable demand due to increasing copper needs for electric vehicles and renewable energy, the number of workers may decrease in the future due to labor-saving measures and automation.
Personality Traits
Cautious / Good team player / Physically fit / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
High-temperature environment / Indoor work / Night shift / Shift / Two days off per week
Career Path
Apprentice/assistant worker → Copper Smelter → Skilled copper smelter → Team leader → Smelting plant manager
Required Skills
Chemical composition analysis / Heavy machinery operation / High-temperature furnace operation / Metal melting process management / Safety maintenance management
Recommended Skills
Electrolytic refining technology / Instrumentation control / Quality control methods (QC) / Reading English technical documents
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because errors in melting temperature or composition management directly affect quality. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical strength is required for work in high-temperature environments and loading/unloading furnace materials. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because adherence to routine tasks is more important than creativity. |
Related Qualifications
- Hazardous Materials Handler (Category B, Class 4)
Related Jobs
- Non-Ferrous Metal Smelter
- Pig Iron Smelter
- Steel Smelter