Metallurgical technology is advancing at a spectacular rate. We scarcely master the innovations of ion exchange, fluidized-bed reactors, pressure leaching, solvent extraction, before new metal-recovery techniques energy. The atomic energy and missile programs have, of course, sparked much progress in the production of $quot;new metals$quot;. But there is a broader problem which affects well known metals as well as the new materials. Valumes could be written just to describe new processes recently developed and techniques now under development. I will attempt, here, to point out the utilization of metal materials in the field of atomic energy and to emphasize the importance of further development of metallurgy for the coming new era.