Air Pollution from Copper Smelting

In addition to the above processes, there are a number of newer processes such as Noranda, Mitsubishi, and Contop, which replace roasting, smelting, and converting, or processes such as ISA-SMELT and KTVCET, which replace roasting and smelting. For converting, the Pierce-Smith and Hoboken converters are the most common processes. 

In the most common hydrometallurgical process, the ore is leached with ammonia or sulfuric acid to extract the copper. These processes can operate at atmospheric pressure or as pressure leach circuits. Copper is recovered from solution by electrowinning, a process similar to electrolytic refining. The process is most commonly used for leaching low-grade deposits in situ or as heaps. 

Recovery of copper metal and alloys from copper-bearing scrap metal and smelting residues requires preparation of the scrap (e.g., removal of insulation) prior to feeding into the primary process. Electric arc furnaces using scrap as feed are also common. 

Bounicore, Anthony J., and Wayne T. Davis, eds. 1992. Air Pollution Engineering Manual. New York Van Nostrand Reinhold. 

European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association. 1995a. Production of NPK Fertilizers by the Nitrophosphate Route. Booklet 7 of 8. Brussels, and 1995b. Production of NPK Fertilizers by the Mixed Acid Route. Booklet 8 of 8. Brussels. 

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