Method for extraction of bismuth and antimony and removal of arsenic from industrial residues

This Formas-funded research project addresses a key challenge for the European base metal industry by developing hydrometallurgical methods for recovery of bismuth (Bi) and antimony (Sb) from industrial residues, while ensuring safe removal and stabilization of arsenic (As). Through characterization, thermodynamic assessment and laboratory-scale leaching and separation studies aligned with an industrially relevant process concept, new knowledge is generated to support future implementation.

Background

Bismuth and antimony are classified as critical raw materials by the European Commission due to their importance in electronics, energy systems and advanced materials, combined with limited European production. In copper production, these elements together with arsenic accumulate in internal process residues such as decopperizing sludge. Arsenic poses environmental and operational challenges and must be removed in a controlled and stable form to enable continued recycling of residues and high copper recovery.

Currently, there are no established methods for simultaneous recovery of Bi and Sb from Cu–As bearing residues while ensuring environmentally safe arsenic management. New hydrometallurgical approaches are therefore required.

Purpose and goals

The overall purpose of the project is to generate knowledge and process foundations for the recovery of bismuth and antimony from industrial copper residues while maintain high copper recovery in the primary process and safely removing arsenic in a stable form.

The project specifically aims to understand dissolution behaviour, selectivity and separation possibilities for Cu, Bi, Sb and As separation in oxidative acidic systems.

Implementation

The project is based on systematic laboratory investigations of industrial residues, with focus on hydrometallurgical processing routes. The work includes characterization of residues containing Cu-arsenide with associated Bi and Sb, thermodynamic evaluation of relevant chemical systems, leaching studies, investigation of separation and purification strategies for dissolved metals and studies on precipitation of arsenic.

The experimental results are used to assess the feasibility of an integrated process concept suitable for industrial application.

Project partners

The project is conducted as a PhD project by the research subject Process Metallurgy at Luleå University of Technology with support from Boliden Rönnskär