Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to an improvement in a method for recovering metal values from copper-containing and/or precious-metal containing materials which also contain antimony and/or bismuth in such high quantities as to render working-up of the materials with conventional metallurgical processes difficult or impossible. In accordance with the improvement, the material is subjected to a chlorination volatilization process in a manner to bring the antimony and/or bismuth content of the material to a predetermined low level acceptable for the continued working-up of the material in conventional process stages, while maintaining the metal values of the material in a substantially unaffected form. The volatilization process is best carried out at temperatures of between 450.degree. C. and 750.degree. C., preferably between 550.degree. C. and 650.degree. C. The chlorination process can be carried out on materials included in the group: sulphidic or oxidic-ore concentrates, matte, speiss, oxidic and metallic intermediate products. In certain cases it is convenient to convert the material to another form within the group, for example the matte, prior to carrying out the chlorination process.

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First Claim