Considerations for Wastewater Treatment of a Copper Smelter

Processing copper concentrates in a smelter generates wastewater from gas cleaning operations. This so-called weak acid contains a part of the arsenic from the copper concentrates along with sulfate, halogenides, and heavy metals. Effective wastewater treatment in this context necessitates arsenic fixation, heavy metal removal, and, depending on concentrations and regulatory requirements, the binding of sulfate and halogenides. Additionally, selenium contamination must be addressed when present. Aurubis’s wastewater treatment process in Hamburg is very robust and meets stringent regulatory requirements. Since the plant requires a technical makeover in the near future, the process is under review. This study provides an overview of various chemical treatment options, aiming to develop an optimal flow sheet for wastewater management at Aurubis’s plant in Hamburg. The assessment includes a comparison of different combinations of treatment methods, considering factors such as effluent salt load, residue volume, residue consistency, and overall costs.