Chlorine leaching technology of precious metals in copper anode slimes

摘要

Sumitomo Metal Mining recovered the silver contained in the blister copper, later gold and silver from the copper anode slimes, with the conventional cupellation for about 400 years.The thorough hydrometallurgical process for precious metals refining using the chlorine leaching technology was originated and developed by Sumitomo, thereafter commercialized in 2004 at Toyo copper smelter & refinery. This new process enabled the shorter term recovery of gold and manpower saving, in addition, the elevation of occupational safety and working condition has been obtained. Superiority to the existing hydrometallurgical processes was also confirmed, example for the achievement of high purity gold and silver production without the electro-refining process and higher recovery ratio of rhodium and other PGM's.