Distribution of Co, Fe, Ni, and precious metals between blister copper and white metal

The distribution coefficients of Co, Ni, Ag, Au, Pd, and Fe at low concentrations between liquid copper and molten white metal (low-iron copper matte, ‘Cu₂S’) were investigated experimentally as a function of temperature (1250–1350°C) and SO₂ partial pressure (0.01–1 atm). The experimental technique involved samples equilibration at controlled temperature and gas atmosphere, followed by quenching and subsequent elemental analysis of equilibrium phases with electron probe X-ray microanalysis and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The distribution coefficient of silver, nickel, gold and palladium between liquid copper and white metal indicated that they favour the blister copper whereas cobalt and iron distribute more to the white metal. The distribution coefficient of nickel, e.g. increased from 2.1 at 0.1–1.0 atm P_SO2 and 1250°C to 3.2 at 1350°C. The distribution coefficients were only slightly dependent on temperature. The relatively strong dependence of the distribution coefficient of cobalt on P_SO2 was discussed.