2026 Finnholm Minor Elements Copper Smelting

Copper smelting is a critical process in metallurgical engineering, involving several stages that influence the behavior of minor elements. This study aimed to investigate the deportment of these elements during the copper smelting process in an industrial setting. A sampling campaign was conducted at a copper smelter, utilizing advanced analytical techniques such as electron probe x-ray microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to analyze slag and matte assays. The research specifically focused on identifying the concentration and distribution of minor and trace elements within the smelting phases, particularly given the recent enhancements in smelting technology. Results indicated that despite fluctuations due to operational changes, the matte produced consistently met the target grade of 65 wt.% copper with minimal variations. Additionally, the findings revealed no significant entrapment of phases between slag and matte, suggesting a relatively homogenous distribution of minor elements in the processed samples. This work provides valuable insights for optimizing copper production methods and improving the quality of final products in the context of modern metallurgical practices.