Distribution of Cu, S, O and minor elements between silica-saturated slag, matte and copper-experimental measurements

Abstract

Equilibrium distributions of Cu, S, O and minor elements between silica-saturated fayalite slag, copper matte (44 to 79.5% Cu) and copper have been examined experimentally under controlled partial pressures of SO 2, S 2 and O 2. The temperature range of the experiments was 1473–1573K. Concentrations of copper in the experimental slags were found to be lower than 1% Cu as long as the matte grade was kept below 65% Cu; however, copper in the slag increases dramatically when matte grade is increased above this level. This is in accordance with previous observations. Concentrations of As, Sb, Bi, Pb and Cd in each liquid phase increased as matte grade was increased; experiments have shown that under high oxygen partial pressures minor elements are removed in the slag, whereas as oxygen pressure is decreased, these elements are removed into the gas phase.