Vulcan's Crucible 1937

Directed by Frank Hurley

An industrial short film documenting metallurgical smelting and refining processes at the Port Pirie works in South Australia. Serving as the immediate companion film to 1936's "Silver City" it follows the arrival of raw silver-lead concentrates by rail before moving through automated roasting plants and active blast furnaces. The documentary finishes behind the locked doors of the high-security silver and gold rooms, showcasing the final creation of pure bullion bars.