Olivine slags: The ultimate solution to low copper slags?

Abstract

The background of direct blister copper smelting is discussed, especially copper solubility to iron silicate and calcium ferrite slags. The use of olivine type of slags has been introduced in the literature, and the theoretical possibilities to decrease copper solubility using these slags is shown. From a practical and economical point of view, the problem in blister copper making is due to the high amount of fluxes requirement and thus a high amount of slag is produced while trying to reach the minimum copper solubility area for normal type of copper concentrates. However, for concentrates with low iron content, and high copper content, olivine type of slags are one interesting option to be used.