Solid matte-oxygen converting process

Abstract

Copper sulfide ores are processed by a unique series of steps to produce blister copper, while attaining long sought advantages. An initial smelting step is carried out in any desired manner, e.g. according to conventional practice, to produce a molten, copper sulfide matte or white metal. This matte or white metal is then solidified and subjected to a size-reduction step to produce solid particles capable of being injected into a converting vessel in a stream of oxygen, either pure oxygen or air significantly enriched with oxygen. With the matte or white metal injected in this manner, the converting reaction may be carried out on an autogenous basis, with continuous evolution of substantially undiluted SO.sub.2 gas capable of being liquified for use in the production of elemental sulfur or sulfuric acid or for disposal so as to avoid atmospheric contamination. The usual fugitive gas emissions resulting from the handing and transporting of molten matte in conventional ways are almost completely avoided, and continuous optimized operation of the converting vessel is achieved independently of operation of the smelting step, making it possible to eliminate the often-resorted-to close coupling of smelting and converting furnaces and affording unusual freedom in plant layout.