Distribution of Ni, Co, Precious, and Platinum Group Metals in Copper Making Process

The distribution coefficients of Ni, Co, Ag, Au, Pt, and Pd between molten copper and silica-saturated iron silicate slags (${\text{L}}_{\text{Me}}^{\text{Cu}/\text{s}}$) were measured experimentally. The distribution behaviors were studied under typical conditions of copper converting and fire refining, i.e., from 1250 °C to 1350 °C, and from 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁴ atm oxygen partial pressure. The coefficients were determined as the ratios of the trace element weight concentrations measured in situ, directly from the equilibrated metal and slag phases. For the quantitative elemental analysis of the phases, state-of-the-art analytic techniques, including electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, were employed. The distribution coefficients ${\text{L}}_{\text{Me}}^{\text{Cu}/\text{s}}$ determined can be arranged in the following order: Pt > Au > Pd >> Ag > (Cu) > Ni > Co > (Fe).