Recent Developments in the Extractive Metallurgy of Copper, Nickel and Cobalt and Their Industrial Implications

Abstract In recent years a number of interesting technological developments have arisen as a result of continued research to enhance the extractive metallurgy of copper, nickel and cobalt. The continuing pressure to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions in smelting processes has led to distinct possibilities for enhanced sulfur capture albeit at a price of investment in new technology and/or equipment. The same environmental pressures have led researchers to continue their efforts to devise viable hydrometallurgical alternatives to the pyrometallurgical processes.This paper examines a number of the recent advances in the extractive metallurgy of copper, nickel and cobalt and considers the industrial implications of these develoments.