Pig iron smelters, steelworkers, nonferrous metal smelters
せいせんこう、せいこうこう、ひてつきんぞくせいれんこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that melts and refines iron and steel or nonferrous metals in high-temperature furnaces to produce metal materials for subsequent processes such as casting and rolling.
Description
Pig iron smelters, steelworkers, and nonferrous metal smelters melt and refine iron ore and alloy raw materials in blast furnaces, converters, electric furnaces, etc., adjust them to the required composition and temperature, and manufacture materials such as slabs and ingots. They manage furnace temperature and pressure, analyze chemical composition, remove slag, and perform deoxidation and desulfurization operations to ensure safety and quality. Operations are primarily on a shift system, requiring teamwork to maintain stable production.
Future Outlook
In the steelmaking and metal smelting fields, automation and labor reduction are progressing, but there is still high demand for highly skilled operators, and careers as plant engineers or production engineers are also expected.
Personality Traits
Cautious / Cooperative / High concentration / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Operator → Senior operator → Furnace supervisor → Production manager → Factory manager
Required Skills
Blast furnace operation / Converter operation / Electric furnace operation / Maintenance inspection / Metal analysis / Pressure and temperature control / Safety management
Recommended Skills
Data analysis / Process improvement / Quality control methods (QC) / Reading English technical documents
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because safety management is essential in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical stamina is needed to endure long hours of standing work and heavy labor. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because of the high pressure in high-temperature environments and during emergency responses. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because furnace operations are often performed in collaboration with multiple people. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because there are many standardized processes with little room for original ideas. |
Related Qualifications
- Crane operator
- Forklift operation skills training
- High-pressure gas manufacturing safety supervisor
- Slinging skills training
Related Jobs
- Machine maintenance worker
- Metal fabricator
- Steelmaker
- Welder