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Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
On-line version ISSN 2411-9717
Print version ISSN 2225-6253
J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. vol.109 n.11 Johannesburg Nov. 2009
TRANSACTION PAPER
Modernization of the BCL smelter
A.C. Legg; L. Ntsipe; M. Bogopa; G. Dzinomwa
BCL Limited, Botswana
SYNOPSIS
BCL Limited operates a nickel-copper flash smelting operation at Selebi-Phikwe, situated in north-eastern Botswana. The original furnace was commissioned in 1973 and produces a high grade sulphide matte, from its own concentrates plus additional custom feeds, which is shipped to refineries in Zimbabwe and Norway for further processing.
In 2004 the company embarked on a study to modernize the flash smelting complex, with an emphasis on extending campaign life, improving the furnace integrity and enhancing throughput and process efficiency. First phase initiatives from this exercise, including the fundamental switch to a single concentrate burner operation of the flash smelting furnace, were implemented in July 2007.
This paper summarizes experiences prior to implementation, details the specific improvements made to the flash smelting furnace and associated operations, highlights the improved plant performance after modernization, and outlines second phase expansion plans that are currently under consideration.
“Full text available only in PDF format”
Reference
MALEMA, M.T. and LEGG, A.C. Recent Improvements at the BCL Smelter, Paper presented at the 11th International Flash Smelting Congress, Bulgaria/Spain, 1995. [ Links ]