Continuous improvements at the Phelps Dodge Miami Mining Smelter

The Phelps Dodge Miami smelter has smelted copper concentrate using the Isasmelt technology since 1992. The design throughput rate was 591,000 t/a (651,000 stpy), and, after a slow start-up, the production rate exceeded the design throughput after the seventh year of operation. In 2002, the smelter consumed 719,000 t (793,000 st) of copper concentrate and has the potential to reach the permitted rate of 772,000 t/a (850,000 stpy). Since initial start up, continuous improvements to the smelting vessel and the surrounding support processes have improved production. This paper chronologically outlines the events and changes made to accomplish these improvements.