Abstract
In the paper, a new technology was developed to improve the beneficiation of copper and iron components from copper slag, by modifying the molten slag to promote the mineralization of valuable minerals and to induce the growth of mineral grains. Various parameters, including binary basicity, dosage of compound additive, modification temperature, cooling rate and the end point temperature of slow cooling were investigated. Meanwhile, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) was employed to determine the mineralogy of the modified and unmodified slag, as well as to reveal the mechanisms of enhancing beneficiation. The results show that under the proper conditions, the copper grade of rougher copper concentrate was increased from 6.43% to 11.04%, iron recovery of magnetic separation was increased significantly from 32.40% to 63.26%, and other evaluation indexes were changed slightly, in comparison with unmodified copper slag. Moreover, matte and magnetite grains in the modified slag aggregated together and grew obviously to the mean size of over 50 μm, resulting in an improvement of beneficiation of copper and iron.
Highlights
Pyrometallurgy is the dominant technology for current copper extraction, by which almost80% of total copper in the word has been generated [1]
The feasibility of an integrated technological route to improve beneficiation of copper and iron components from copper slag through modification of molten slag was investigated, and the following conclusions were achieved: (1) Iron element in the copper slag mainly existed in the form of fayalite and magnetite, and the
The feasibility of an integrated technological route to improve beneficiation of copper and iron components from copper slag through modification of molten slag was investigated, and the following conclusions were achieved: (1) Iron element in the copper slag mainly existed in the form of fayalite and magnetite, and the copper is present in sulfide form with fine size as well as being closely embedded in the fayalite matrix, revealing that traditional physical beneficiation process may result in poor valuable metal recovery
Summary
Pyrometallurgy is the dominant technology for current copper extraction, by which almost80% of total copper in the word has been generated [1]. 2.0–3.0 tons of copper slag are generated per ton of copper production, depending on the properties of copper concentrates and operating conditions in the pyrometallurgical process [2,3,4,5]. % copper, indicating that it is a valuable secondary resource for recycling and utilization [3]. More than 80% of copper slag has not been effectively utilized, which wastes the valuable resources, and potentially causes severe damages to the ecological environment, such as heavy metal pollution to surrounding soils and watercourses [7,8]. It is extremely urgent to develop appropriate technology for comprehensive utilization of copper slag characterized as hazardous materials, due to the increasing environmental concern for disposal of copper slag
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