Processing of the Silver–Zinc Crust of the Product of Refining of Raw Lead in a Copper-Smelting Converter

Abstract

We present the results of industrial testing of the technology of processing of silver–zinc crust obtained in the process of refining of raw lead from silver in a copper-smelting converter. We perform the tests for two versions of charging of dried crust into the converter: either into the empty converter prior to pouring matte from the smelting of secondary copper-containing raw materials in a shaft furnace or during the period of conversion after obtaining white mat. In the case of charging over the white mat, we get the slags that are poorer in all analyzed metals, whereas the yield of silver and gold into copper blister is higher. According to data of balance smelting, the direct yields of silver and gold from all types of processed raw materials into blister copper are 96.72% and 97.76%, respectively.