The Noranda Process and Different Matte Grades

Abstract

Since 1975, the Noranda Process reactor at the Home smelter has generally operated at matte grades of 70–74% Cu. This paper reports on tests which were carried out to evaluate the performance of the reactor at lower matte grades. Reactor operation at matte grades down to 55% Cu was found to be as stable and predictable as operation at higher matte grades. This paper discusses operating results, including metallurgical data such as fuel and oxygen requirements, slag and matte characteristics and information on the behavior of minor elements.