Method for decreasing metal losses in nonferrous smelting operations

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process for producing a metal matte from a nonferrous metal-containing sulfide mineral concentrate in a horizontally disposed furnace wherein small sulfide particles are separated from the concentrate, compacted and introduced into the furnace along with the remainder of the concentrate; a melted iron sulfide-rich concentrate is spread onto the slag adjacent the introduction of the sulfide mineral concentrate; and a metallic iron-rich material containing carbon or silicon is spread onto the slag at a location adjacent the introduction of the melted iron sulfide-rich concentrate but spaced from the slag discharge of the furnace, such that a high-grade nonferrous metal matte is produced and …