The Baiyun-ebo Mining District is situated in the mountains of western Gansu Province. The area is renowned for its copper molybdenum ores, which have been mined by locals for centuries. Recently, a large open-cut copper and molybdenum ore mine was established in the area. The ore is processed with the help of a high furnace smelter – a process that allows the recovery of valuable base metals such as copper and molybdenum.
The high furnace smelter at the Baiyun-ebo Mine is the largest and most advanced of its kind in the region. It comprises four large sections, each with its own furnace and equipment. The furnace is constructed from thermal-resistant material and heated by electricity generated inside the smelter. The high temperatures are necessary to ensure efficient smelting of the ore. The process uses fluxing agents, such as silica and lime, to help strip the ore of its impurities.
One of the most noteworthy points in the smelting process at the Baiyun-ebo Mine is the use of an efficient ‘bottom-blown’ converter. This technique helps to more effectively separate the molybdenum and copper from the ore, as well as reduce harmful emissions. The bottom-blown smelter also uses a vertical design, which has resulted in improved efficiency, as compared to a conventional smelter.
In total, the high furnace smelter at the Baiyun-ebo Mine allows for the extraction and processing of up to 10,000 tonnes of ore per day. This process produces valuable copper and molybdenum concentrate that can be transported to local refineries for further processing. The concentrates produced can also be sold internationally, as the smelter is compliant with a number of global standards for emission compliance.
The high furnace smelter at the Baiyun-ebo Mine has also been equipped with several energy-saving systems. These help to ensure that the energy required for the smelting process is minimized and that the carbon dioxide footprint of the operation is kept to an absolute minimum.
The high furnace smelter at the Baiyun-ebo Mine is a truly impressive piece of engineering. It not only allows for large amounts of ore to be efficiently processed, but also helps to protect the environment with its emission-limiting measures and energy-saving systems. This has helped to make the mine a greatly profitable venture, while also helping to reduce pollution in the area.
