Recovery of Copper and Magnetite from Copper Slag Using Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)

On the one hand, copper slag is nowadays a waste in pyrometallurgy despite significant quantities of iron (>40 wt. %) and (1 to 2 %). other solar energy, when properly concentrated, offers great potential high-temperature processes. Therefore, concentrated power (CSP) could be used treatment transform fayalite into magnetite sulfides oxides nodules. This objective this paper. The results show that was partially decomposed silica. Moreover, nodules (65–85 % Cu) were identified treated samples, while initial slag, analyzed by X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, SEM-EDX, did not presence metallic copper. Finally, crushed grinded down 40 μm, two fractions obtained magnetic separation. fraction (85%) mainly comprised magnetite, non-magnetic (15%) had 5–10 Cu. Considering experimental results, 7.5–18 kg Cu/t might recovered from slag. A preliminary economic analysis, considering current price, indicates only recovery represent benefit (>30 €/t slag). CSP candidate for recover iron.