Non-ferrous pyrometallurgy-a changing industry

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 81, No. 913, 1988

JOHN C. TAYLOR, Jan H. Reimers and Associates Inc., Oakville, Ontario

The non-ferrous pyrometatlurgical industry has been under extreme pressure since 1980 and significant changes are taking place, principally in the copper, nickel and lead industries. This paper reviews some of these changes, particularly with respect to smelter capacity, major technical trends, and the industry's response to increased energy costs and environmental constraints. The Canadian metal mineral production for 1985 has been estimated at a value of over $8 billion, of which half is derived from copper, nickel, lead and zinc production. It is in our national interest that the Canadian industry remain competitive in the world market and continue its traditional contribution to the Canadian economy.

Keywords: Pyrometallurgy, Smelting processes, Laterite ores, Mineral economics, Energy, Copper, Nickel, Process development.