Modifications of the chemical composition and microstructure of flash smelting copper slags in the process of their reduction

Abstract

Blister copper smelting in a flash smelting furnace results in generation of slag that contains high amounts of copper, iron and lead. Most commonly, this material is subjected to reduction with coke in an electrical furnace. In the present paper, results of investigations on reduction of slag with another reducer, i.e. anthracite dust, are discussed. Each experimental slag was analysed for its microstructure, chemical composition and phase composition. Based on the results, a decopperisation level of the study material was estimated. It was shown that anthracite dust might be considered as an alternative for currently used reducers.

Keywords

• copper
• reduction
• flash smelting
• microstructure
• slag decopperisation