Comparative analysis of the main occupations working conditions in the copper production by pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods in Russia

Abstract

Introduction. The primary materials for copper production are sulfide copper-nickel and oxidized ores with a copper percentage of 1.5-4%, traditionally processed by the pyrometallurgical method. For processing depleted copper-containing raw materials (less than 1%), the pyrometallurgical approach is not commonly suitable. The introduced hydrometallurgical way differs by including in one production process, combined underground leaching of ore, extraction of copper from solution, and the following electrolysis. At the same time, insufficient attention is paid to the hydrometallurgical method of processing depleted copper raw materials from a hygienic standpoint in our country. Materials and methods. Based on the results of our research carried out at copper-smelting plants using pyro- and hydrometallurgical methods of processing raw materials, a comparative analysis was carried out for such indicators as the pollutants content in the workplaces’ air at different stages of production, predicted values of occupational cancer risks, toxicity indicators, and the health and essential physiological functions of workers. Results. Working under increased heat intensity in hot shops, exposure to sulfur-containing gases and industrial aerosols leads to significant changes in hemodynamics and thermoregulation stress in workers. In the hydrometallurgical production of copper, the only occupational hazard exceeding hygienic standards is sulfuric acid vapours, and changes in physiological parameters and thermoregulation are insignificant. The predicted values of occupational cancer risk for hydrometallurgical machines operators exceed the acceptable level after 9-10 years of working experience. For smelters, an unacceptable level of risk is achieved with up to 5 years of working experience. Conclusion. For the first time in the country, a hygienic assessment of the hydrometallurgical method of processing depleted copper raw materials was proved to be the only appropriate method of improving working conditions in copper production.