概要
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the metallurgy industry that produces copper through wet smelting processes. It describes the key aspects of wet smelting, including the production of copper, the equipment and processes involved, the energy needed, the environmental impacts of wet smelting and the safety precautions that need to be taken.
The paper discusses the steps involved in producing wet smelted copper, including obtaining raw materials, preheating in a furnace, leaching with acid to separate the copper from impurities, furnace smelting and converting the resulting copper matte into high-purity copper. It also discusses the process for converting copper to a finished product and the costs involved in the production process.
Focusing on safety, the paper looks at the potential health risks of exposure to by-products and waste generated from wet smelting. It also reviews safety regulations that must be followed when operating a wet smelting plant and steps that can be taken to minimize environmental impacts.
Finally, the paper describes the various markets for copper that emerge from the wet smelting process, the outlook for copper production over the next few years and the role that waste management plays in the wet smelting industry. It also provides a comparison of wet smelting processes to other copper production methods, such as electrolytic refining.
