M.T. Malema, A.C. Legg
BCL Limited operates the only Flash Smelting Furnace on the African continent, located in Selebi-Phikwe, north-eastern Botswana. This paper aims to outline the recent improvements and expansions achieved at the BCL smelter, specifically focusing on the enhancements that have enabled an increase in production capacity from 40,000 to 60,000 tons per annum of high-grade sulphide matte containing nickel, copper, and cobalt. The methodology involved a thorough assessment of the plant’s operational processes, equipment upgrades, and modifications to production techniques that contribute to efficiency gains. The results indicate significant improvements in productivity as well as enhanced processing capabilities, allowing for better energy management and waste heat recovery. Subsequent interventions, such as the planned installation of water-cooled baffles, are expected to further mitigate thermal damage risks within critical components of the furnace system. This comprehensive analysis showcases the continuous development efforts at the BCL smelter, making it a notable case study in the field of pyrometallurgy in Africa.
@article{72a7fbef-caba-4805-ac27-465c5153252e,
title={Recent Improvements at the BCL Smelter},
author={M.T. Malema and A.C. Legg},
year={2026},
language={en}
}TY - JOUR TI - Recent Improvements at the BCL Smelter AU - M.T. Malema AU - A.C. Legg PY - 2026 LA - en ER -
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