Distribution of Antimony in Copper-Zinc Concentrate Metallurgical Processing Products

Abstract

The distribution of antimony in sulfide copper-zinc concentrates processing products manufactured according to a production scheme including autogenous smelting, matte conversion to blister copper, and flotation extraction of metals from slags, is evaluated. The main products concentrating antimony concern autogenous smelting and conversion dust. The proportion of antimony transferred into these products does not exceed 40%, and the rest is removed with slag flotation treatment tailings. With a relatively low antimony content in blister copper its electrolysis sludge contains up to 15% Sb. Dust and anode sludge are considered as a source of antimony production.