The Cuprex™ metal extraction process produces cathode-grade copper using a hydrometallurgical process based on chloride leaching of sulfide ore concentrates. The process incorporates several novel steps to overcome the major problems associated with earlier chloride-based processes, including mild leaching conditions usingferric chloride as leachant and solvent extraction of copper using a novel reagent. This produces a highly concentrated cupric chloride electrolyte from which cathode-grade copper is electrowon in the Metclor cell. The technical viability and robustness of the core technology have been proven in a series of large-scale pilot trials. More recent work has concentrated on supplementary processes to convert the copper powder product to an article of commerce and to recover valuable by-products. A fully integrated scheme is now being developed with updated cost estimates.
Increasing amounts of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) are being generated worldwide as more steel is produced from electric furnace melting of galvanized steel scrap. In most countries, the management of this material is a costly technical, economic, and legal problem for minimill steelmakers. Many technologies and processes are being developed and implemented worldwide to manage this material to recover contained zinc, lead, and iron values and render it nonhazardous. These processes are pyrometaliurgical, hydrometallurgical, or hybrid in nature. Some produce zinc oxide, some zinc metal, some lead metal, and some lead cement. Some are successful, some have failed, many are dormant or abandoned, and others continue to be developed and emerge. This paper updates the current status of 20-30 processes in various stages of commercial application and development used worldwide to manage EAFD and recover its nonferrous, partlcularly zinc and lead, and ferrous values.
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