Distribution of Ni, Co, Precious, and Platinum Group Metals in Copper Making Process

Dmitry Sukhomlinov,Lassi Klemettinen,Katri Avarmaa,Pekka Taskinen,Hugh O’Brien,Ari Jokilaakso

doi:10.1007/s11663-019-01576-2

Dmitry Sukhomlinov, Lassi Klemettinen + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-019-01576-2

Copy DOI

Abstract

The distribution coefficients of Ni, Co, Ag, Au, Pt, and Pd between molten copper and silica-saturated iron silicate slags ( {text{L}}_{text{Me}}^{{{text{Cu}}/{text{s}}}} ) were measured experimentally. The distribution behaviors were studied under typical conditions of copper converting and fire refining, i.e., from 1250 °C to 1350 °C, and from 10−8 to 10−4 atm oxygen partial pressure. The coefficients were determined as the ratios of the trace element weight concentrations measured in situ, directly from the equilibrated metal and slag phases. For the quantitative elemental analysis of the phases, state-of-the-art analytic techniques, including electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, were employed. The distribution coefficients {text{L}}_{text{Me}}^{{{text{Cu}}/{text{s}}}} determined can be arranged in the following order: Pt > Au > Pd >> Ag > (Cu) > Ni > Co > (Fe).

Highlights

OUR society requires a continuous, ever-increasing supply of metals to maintain modern levels of living
At 1250 °C, the distribution coefficient measurements were limited to the pO2 range from 10À8 to 10À7 atm
The best-fit equations (Eqs. [7] through [10]) calculated from the experimental data of this study describe the partitioning of Ni, Co, Fe, and Cu as a function of temperature (h/°C) and oxygen partial pressure

Summary

Introduction

OUR society requires a continuous, ever-increasing supply of metals to maintain modern levels of living. Growing metal demand with decreasing natural resources requires dramatic increases in metal recycling, achievable only with the ability to process new complex feed materials efficiently. The aim is to build an industrial circular economy model, which is ‘‘a regenerative system in which resource input and waste, emission, and energy leakage are minimized by slowing, closing, and narrowing material and energy loops’’.[1]. Metal wastes, such as various end-of-life (EoL) electrical and electronic equipment, have a high value as secondary sources of metals.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion