Our clients need to make informed decisions about improving their profitability. We aid our clients in doing this by providing insight into the systems they hope to improve.

In this case study, we supported a client to identify a feasible operating window.

Using thermochemical calculations, we mapped out the alloy production cost across different ore blends and flux additions (see Figure 1 (a)). We then filtered this data to meet the product specification (b), and the tappability of the slag (c), resulting in (d).

The range within which the high-grade ore (HG) and flux could be varied, while achieving a sizeable increase in profit, is shown below.

By practically applying thermochemical principles, we were able to help our clients make the best possible decision, helping to make the industry as a whole more resilient.

This case study is based on work presented in Weitz (2024)1. Weitz, H., Makgoale, T., and Zietsman, J.H. (2024). Seizing opportunities today: Enhancing profitability and environmental sustainability in pyrometallurgical plants, In Proceedings of Southern African Pyrometallurgy 2024, pp.297-306. The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Johannesburg, South Africa.