LLC “Mednogorsk Copper-Sulfur Combine”, Mednogorsk, Russia:

K. V. Bulatov, Chief Executive Officer

D. Yu. Skopin, Chief Metallurgist

Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Ekaterinburg, Russia:
G. V. Skopov, Professor, e-mail: skopov@ugmk.com

LLC “UMMC-Holding”, Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russia:
S. A. Yakornov, Deputy Technical Metallurgy Officer

This article describes the results of smelting-converting technology tests for processing of copper-lead-zinc concentrates, manufactured by enrichment of Altay ores. Preliminary pilot tests have shown the possibility of polymetallic concentrates processing in melting unit with extraction of at least 72% of lead and more than 39% of zinc in quality lead-zinc sublimates, suitable for processing at zinc smelters. However, copper, gold and silver are almost entirely converted to highgrade matte. Optimal technological parameters were obtained for polymetallic concentrates processing: blast consumption, briquette/hot matte ratio and their consumption, and carbon-containing material consumption. After extensive renovation of copper smelting plant, the polymetallic concentrate processing was carried out in the “Pobeda” melting facility, including the following measures: matte filling; concentrate charging and melting; melt heating with distillation of 72–84% of lead and 40–44% of zinc in gas and obtaining of slag, suitable for fuming recovery of these metals. Melt was air-blasted. Coal-containing material was injected through the special design tuyere for the purpose of increasing of melt temperature and extraction of lead and zinc. Copper and precious metals were extracted into high-grade matte, containing up to 65% of copper. According to this, slag can be treated by copper flotation or by smelting in shaft furnaces. Off-gases were cooled in evaporative cooling nstallation and were dusted in baghouse. After purification, gases were utilized in sulfuric acid workshop. Concentrate processing operations in melting facility are cyclical: part of melt after slag and matte draining is left in facility; then, the required amount of matte and charge cycle of materials are added, and their smelting is repeated again. Thus, one-stage smelting allow to separate copper, zinc and lead with transfer of copper and precious metals in high-grade matte, and lead and part of zinc in sublimates and main part of zinc in slag, suitable for further zinc recovery by known ways.

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