Pyrometallurgical Technology for Treatment of High-Sulfur Concentrate Lean with Respect to Copper

Results of studying combined pyrometallurgical processing of relatively high-sulfur, low-copper and high-copper, high-silica sulfide concentrates are presented. Experimental melting of a mixture of highsulfur Aktogai and high-silica Zhezkazgan copper concentrates in the ratio of 1:1 in the range 1310–1400°С with a weakly reducing gas atmosphere and a weakly oxidizing gas atmosphere are provided. The possibility of preparing matte containing from 40 to 50% copper is demonstrated. Copper-richer mattes (49.75–52.74% Cu) are obtained at 1400°C in a weakly oxidizing atmosphere. Production parameters are obtained for smelting Aktogai and Zhezkazgan copper concentrates demonstrating the possibility of preparing matte suitable for subsequent conversion.