Abstract
Resolving the modern society challenges, such as sustainability, metal scarcity and global warming, results in the increased complexity of the process streams in pyrometallurgy, that in turn requires accurate prediction of high temperature chemistries. Integrated experimental and thermodynamic modelling research program on characterisation of the complex multi-component multi-phase gas-slag-matte-speiss-metal-solids system with the Cu2O-PbO-ZnO-FeO-Fe2O3-CaO-Al2O3-MgO-SiO2-S major and As-Sn-Sb-Bi-Ag-Au-Ni-Co-Cr minor elements is under way in response. The experiments involve high temperature equilibration in controlled gas atmospheres, rapid quenching and direct measurement of equilibrium phase compositions with quantitative microanalytical techniques including electron probe X-ray microanalysis and Laser Ablation ICP-MS. Particular efforts are aimed at the improvement and development of analytical techniques. The thermodynamic modelling is undertaken using FactSage software package with advanced thermodynamic solution models. The continuing development of research methodologies has resulted in significant advances in research outcomes. Implementation of the results of fundamental studies involves ongoing collaboration of researchers and industry technologists and advanced professional training. An overview of recent progress in research, implementation and applications in industrial practice will be presented in the paper.