Chair of Non-ferrous Metals and Gold, National University of Science and Technology “MISiS”, Moscow, Russia:

M. I. Kotykhov, Engineer, e-mail: kotykhov.m@gmail.com
A. M. Fedorov, Professor

Processing of low-grade lead concentrates with high content of copper, either by the classical agglomeration technology, that is blast smelting, or using advanced autogenous processes, includes the polymetal matte stage, which complicates crude lead smelting technology and weakens economic performance. The authors have carried out laboratory research by the method of twin melters with a view to analyze distribution of copper in condensation products of melting without the matte stage using Vanyukov’s process. The coefficients of copper distribution in crude lead and high-lead slag in equilibrium conditions are determined for various slag compositions and temperatures. The mechanisms of copper behavior in oxidation melting of lead material are revealed. The microstructure analysis of slag specimens with different degree of decrystallinity yields the evaluation of association of dissolved copper and phase structure of slag melt. The experiments have proved applicability of barbotage oxidation to processing low-grade lead sulfide concentration with the content of copper up to 5% without the matte stage. The obtained mechanisms of copper distribution are usable for developing a technology of oxidation melting of copper-bearing low-grade lead concentrates by Vanyukov’s process, and for barbotage processes of other kinds.

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