Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining

Employers in nonferrous metal (except aluminum) smelting and refining extract and process metals like copper, lead, nickel, and zinc from ore or scrap, then purify them into usable forms for manufacturers. Jobs commonly include plant operations, furnace and control-room operations, maintenance and mechanical/electrical work, lab testing, and quality or safety roles. Work is typically hands-on and industrial, often involving shift work around furnaces, and may require safety training (and sometimes site or union qualifications) due to heat, noise, and hazardous materials.