Characterisation of copper slag in view of metal recovery (original) (raw)

In this study, a fayalitic copper slag was characterised. Copper is present as sulfidic droplets. The content and particle size distribution of the major sulfide phases (bornite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite/digenite) were quantified using analytical scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN). Large copper bearing particles (> 100 µm) are composed mainly of bornite and chalcocite/digenite and tend to accumulate in the lower part of the slag layer. As characterised with X-ray computed tomography (CT), around 70% of copper value is present in these large copper bearing particles.