Copper pyrometallurgy and electrorefining

Traditionally, and despite a trend towards the wet process in the second half of the twentieth century, the dry process continues to play a predominant role, as certain mineral species are difficult to attack chemically. This is the case, for example, with chalcopyrite, the most widespread copper ore. Pyrometallurgy has undergone major technological innovation, in particular to comply with anti-pollution legislation while keeping production costs under control.

The use of copper as an electrical conductor and its suitability for wire drawing require a high-purity metal. After being fire-refined and cast into anodes, blister copper undergoes electrolytic refining. This consists in oxidizing the anodes, under the effect of an electric current, to release Cu ²⁺ ions, which are selectively deposited on the cathodes, while impurities are shared between the electrolyte and the anode sludge.

The complete study of the subject includes the articles :

• Copper: resources, processes and products ;

• Pyrometallurgy and electrorefining of copper (this article) ;

• Copper hydrometallurgy ;

• Copper recycling and the environment;

• Copper metallurgy.