Abstract:

Metallurgical dust, a byproduct of various industrial processes, contains valuable metals and poses environmental challenges when disposed of improperly. This paper provides an overview of sustainable recycling methods, namely pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, aimed at recovering valuable metals from metallurgical dust while minimizing environmental impacts. Pyrometallurgy involves high-temperature treatments, such as smelting, to extract metals from dust. This approach is effective for dust with significant metal content, such as iron, lead and zinc. However, it often requires substantial energy input. Hydrometallurgy, on the other hand, utilizes chemical solutions to selectively dissolve and recover metals from dust. This method is suitable for low-metal-content dust and minimizes energy consumption compared to pyrometallurgy. Both recovering and recycling processes have their advantages and limitations, and the choice between them depends on the factors like dust composition, metal recovery goals, and environmental considerations. Sustainable metallurgical dust recycling aims to reduce the reliance on primary raw materials, conserve energy, and mitigate environmental harm. The importance of developing integrated recycling technologies that combine pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques, ensuring efficient metal recovery while minimizing environmental impact is also highlighted. Furthermore, the adoption of these recycling methods contributes to the circular economy by reducing the reliance on virgin raw materials, mitigating the environmental footprint associated with metallurgical dust disposal and a critical step towards an eco-friendlier and resource -efficient metallurgical industry.

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Mrs. Rapuruchukwu Ifeyinwa Onaa

Biography