Extractive Metallurgy of Copper, Sixth Edition, expands on previous editions, including sections on orogenesis and copper mineralogy and new processes for efficiently recovering copper from ever-declining Cu-grade mineral deposits. The book evaluates processes for maintaining concentrate Cu grades from lower grade ores. Sections cover the recovery of critical byproducts (e.g., cesium), worker health and safety, automation as a safety tool, and the geopolitical forces that have moved copper metal production to Asia (especially China) and new smelting and refining processes. Indigenous Asian smelting processes are evaluated, along with energy and water requirements, environmental performance, copper electrorefining processes, and sulfur dioxide capture processes (e.g., WSA).
The book puts special emphasis on the benefits of recycling copper scrap in terms of energy and water requirements. Comparisons of ore-to-product and scrap-to-product carbon emissions are also made to illustrate the concepts included.
- Describes copper mineralogy, mining and beneficiation techniques
- Compares a variety of mining, smelting and converting technologies
- Provides a complete description of hydrometallurgical and electrometallurgical processes, including process options and recent improvements
- Includes comprehensive descriptions of secondary copper processing, including scrap collection and upgrading, melting and refining technologies
