2020-2021 / GEOL1043-1

Extractive metallurgy

Duration

30h Th, 20h Pr, 1d FW

Number of credits

 Master of Science (MSc) in Geological and Mining Engineering5 crédits  

Lecturer

Stoyan Gaydardzhiev, Andreas Pfennig

Coordinator

N...

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course has objective to deepen the knowledge of geological engineering students into metallurgical processes used for production of the main non-ferrous (Cu, Zn, Pb,..) and precious metals. The course covers both theoretical aspects of extractive metallurgical processes as well as refers to selected case studies. It encompasses the core units listed below which are complemented with case studies and laboratory exercises /tutorials:


  • Metallurgical processes for production of the main non-ferrous metals
  • Leaching chemistry - Kinetics and Mechanisms.
  • Hydrometallurgy of main mineral ores
  • Treatment of productive solutions after leaching
  • Electrometallurgy (electro refining)
  • Reactive extraction and liquid membranes
  • Hydrometallurgical advances in processing of "critical" metals from EoL products
The course begins with an introduction to metallurgical processes enabling the students to get aware about the challenges in metals extraction and purification processes from both technological as well as an economical points of view. The basics of chemical thermodynamics related to mineral compounds stability in aqueous systems follows. The theoretical grounds of the modern hydrometallurgy are presented together with examples of operational flowsheets for leaching common mineral ores and concentrates. Smelting and converting processes as part of the pyrometallurgy of non-ferrous and precious metals are equally discussed, followed by the basics of electrorefining, reactive extraction and liquid membrane possesses as supplementary methods. The practical application of the latter techniques is likewise illustrated as part of the contemporary strategies in recovery of "critical" metals from EoL (End-of-Life) products.Case studies with results presentation from selected hydrometallurgical operations  (heap-leaching of precious metal ores, processing of nickel laterite, Ni/Co and Cu/Co ores).
The laboratory classes include exercises relative to mineral equilibrium systems (Pourbaix diagrams using HSC Chemistry) and preparation and hydrometallurgical processing of e-waste materials with associated mass balance calculations.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of this course, a student should be able to:


  • Understand the origin of metal value from process chain point of view
  • Determine the correct stoichiometry for a metal leaching reaction
  • Understand the thermodynamics of ideal mixtures and calculate phase compositions of mineral-solution systems at equilibrium
  • Understand the main stages involved in the hydrometallurgical processing of non-ferrous metal ores
  • Get aware about  hydrometallurgical advances in recovery of critical metals from EoL streams
 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

It is advisable that the students possess knowledge on raw materials value chain, chemical thermodynamics and basic principles of process engineering.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Theoretical lectures and laboratory exercises. The lab exercises involve: mineral chemical reactions (hydrometallurgy) (HSC Chemistry), preparation of "e-waste" material, leaching and solution processing. Single-drop experiments for determining mass-transfer rate.
 

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face but could differ as function of how the epidemic situation evolves
first quadrimetre 2020-21,  Thursday  pm - B52 (-1/433)

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

Habashi, F., 1999. A Textbook of Hydrometallurgy (2nd edition), Metallurgie Extractive Quebec
Havlik, T. 2008. Hydrometallurgy: Principles and Applications, Woodhead Publishing in Materials
Jergensen I, Gerald V. (Eds.). 1999, Copper Leaching, Solvent Extraction, and Electrowinning Technology-Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME)
Garrels R.M. and Christ C., 1965, Solutions minerals and equilibria, New York: Harper & Row
Gupta, C. K., Krishnamurthy, Nagaiyar, 2016. Extractive metallurgy of rare earths-CRC Press

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Normal situation: The exam will be an oral one involving 2 or 3 questions on the subjects seen and discussed during the theoretical classes.
In case of impossibility of a face-to-face examination (COVID situation), an oral exam will be organized.    
The exam will be held in English.
 

Work placement(s)

no work placement is scheduled

Organizational remarks

The course is delivered during the first quadrimester
Thursdays pm; B 52, - 1/423

Contacts

Stoyan GAYDARDZHIEV - Prof.
tel: 9120
B52 -1/412
s.gaydardzhiev@ulg.ac.be
 
Andreas PFENNIG - Prof.
tel: 3521
B6c, office 1/66
andreas.pfennig@ulg.ac.be