Distribution of precious metals (Au, Pt, Pd, Rh and Ru) between copper matte and iron- silicate slag at 1573 K

Hector M. Henao*, Katsunori Yamaguchi, Shigeru Ueda

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There is an increasing trend in the copper smelters to recycle electronic materials, which contain relatively high concentration of precious metals. As a consequence, the amount of precious metals lost in the slag phase is increasing. To determine the portion of the precious metals chemically dissolved and that associated with the mechanically trapped matte in the slag will be a key factor to improve the recovery of those metals. Thus, an experimental study was carried out to determine the distribution of precious metals (Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru) between the equilibrated copper matte and iron-silicate slag phases. The experiments were made in a magnesia crucible at 1573 K and a fixed partial pressure of SO2 of 0.1 atm for the matte grades between 40 and 70 mass% of copper. It was found that the distribution ratios (defined as mass% X in slag/mass% X in matte, where X represents the precious metal) are around 10-2 for Ru, 10-3 for Au, Pt and Pd and 10-4 for Rh. The distribution ratios show a tendency to increase when the grade of matte is increased.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSohn International Symposium
Subtitle of host publicationAdvanced Processing of Metals and Materials - Proceedings of the International Symposium
Pages723-729
Number of pages7
Publication statusPublished - 2006 Dec 1
Externally publishedYes
Event2006 TMS Fall Extraction and Processing Division: Sohn International Symposium - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 2006 Aug 272006 Aug 31

Publication series

Name2006 TMS Fall Extraction and Processing Division: Sohn International Symposium
Volume1

Conference

Conference2006 TMS Fall Extraction and Processing Division: Sohn International Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period06/8/2706/8/31

Keywords

  • Distribution ratio
  • Matte
  • Precious metals
  • Slag

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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