Abstract

NOLET, I.. Tapping of PGM-Ni mattes: An industry survey. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2016, vol.116, n.1, pp.11-16. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2016/v116n1a2.

Matte tapping is one of the most critical operations of a matte smelter. Every smelter has developed particular matte tapping practices and tap-hole repair strategies that are often based on the experience of the smelter personnel. As a result, very little information has been published on these critical topics. This paper aims at providing the information gathered from a survey conducted in the PGM and Ni matte industries on matte tapping practices and tap-hole maintenance strategies for different PGM-Ni matte smelting operations.

Keywords : matte tapping; platinum group metals; nickel; tap-hole maintenance; tap-hole design.

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