The review covers the different concepts of automation which are appropriate to non-ferrous smelting and the degree to which the smelter, and the furnace in particular, is amenable to total automation. Due to the problems peculiar to a smelter, it is unlikely that a fully closed loop system could ever be achieved and that the smelter will continue to depend upon extended manual control supported by computer based information sorting and optimisation._x000D_
Generally, loop control is performed using Taylor's Mod III process control system._x000D_
For distinct plant systems involving a combination of process loops, sequencing, and data acquisition, the company has developed its own microprocessor based systems._x000D_
Process optimisation using computer based analysis of operating data is well established. Utilising this data, computer modelling provides manual set point supervision for the furnace process control system._x000D_
The impact of automation on the workforce and on operating costs is also examined._x000D_
Predictions on future developments in the field of automation, optimisation and sequencing are propounded and related to the non-ferrous industry at large.