Abstract

Cupric ferrite compound formed during dead roasting of copper matte can be recovered in the smelting process by reacting with the FeS contained in the matte according to the reaction 2CuO·Fe2 O3(l) + 2FeS(matte) + 3SiO2(s) = Cu2S(matte) + 3(2FeO· SiO2)slag) + SO2(g). The effects of the slag/matte ratio, reaction time and silica content have been studied in a laboratory under conditions similar to industrial practice. Experimental result shows that the copper from cupric ferrite is transferred to the matte, increasing its grade, while the iron is transferred to the slag phase. Copyright 2006, Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.