FE316 Finnish expert report on best available techniques in copper production and by-production of precious metals
Marja Riekkola-Vanhanen, 1999.
The Finnish Environment 316, p. 72. URN:ISBN 9521105062. The publication is available also in printed form (ISBN 952-11-0506-2).
Abstract
The main objective of this BAT report is to identify available techniques for the reduction of emissions and energy use in the primary copper production in Finland. Copper is recovered from sulphide concentrates with the pyrometallurgical flash smelting process. The smelting takes place without any external fuel addition, i.e. the chemical energy of the concentrate is utilised for smelting. First, part of the sulphur and iron in the feed are oxidised to form copper matte and slag. Matte is further oxidised in converters to blister copper. The slag formed is discarded after a purification step. Blister copper is fire-refined and cast into anodes. The anodes are electro refined to pure copper cathodes. The remaining anode slime is further treated to recover the remaining metals.
The main solid waste from the process is the purified slag, which is stored in a tailings area. Liquid effluents result from the cooling water system, from the sulphuric acid plant attached to the smelter and from wet gas cleaning systems. The major environmental problem results from the release of SO2 and particulate emissions.
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