Development of value-added materials and products through extraction and purification of metallurgical by-products

The availability of mineral natural resources in British Columbia has significantly contributed to the prosperity and growth of local, provincial and federal economies. Currently, with a continued globalization of resource markets, the procurement and access to mineral and metal resources continues to be a prime national security priority for Canada. As a result, this Mitacs Accelerate Cluster proposal seeks to further develop the mineral processing capabilities in BC, with a particular focus on maximizing the use of by-products generated during smelting operations. In this project, industry leaders from Teck Metals Ltd., Fenix Advanced Materials, Drop Designs, Kootenay Association for Science and Technology and researchers from the University of British Columbia seek to collaboratively utilize by-products and slag generated during lead (Pb) – zinc (Zn) smelting operations at Teck’s metallurgical operation in Trail, BC. Of particular interest is the extraction of selenium (Se) from copper selenide (CuSe) by-product, and tellurium (Te) from soda slag. Further, purification of Teck’s indium (In) metal to achieve ultra high purity will be examined. Finally, the use of slag as an abrasive for advanced manufacturing operations will be investigated. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Lukas Bichler

Student:

Partner:

Teck Ltd (Trail, BC);Fenix Advanced Materials Inc;Drop Designs;Kootenay Association For Science and Technology

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan; University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: