The Art of Computer Programming 2 / Seminumerical Algorithms

The process includes selectively extracting metal values such as molybdenum and copper from ferrosilicate slags containing less than 5 percent by weight magnetite (Fe3O4) into a molten immiscible metal sulfide matte. After the matte-slag extraction step, the metal bearing matte is oxidized. Thereafter, the oxidized matte is leached to dissolve the metal values. The metal bearing leach liquor is then subjected to solvent extraction or precipitation to produce the desired metal product. The metal sulfide matte contains iron and sulfur in a mole ratio of about two to one to nine to one with a matte containing a mole ratio of iron to sulfur of about two to one to three to one being preferred. The temperature of the system during the matte-slag extraction step is maintained between the range of temperatures of the slag melting point (about 1050 DEG C.) and 1600 DEG C. The preferred temperature range for the system is between 1200 DEG C. to 1375 DEG C.