Reflected Light Microscopy and Electron Microprobe Analysis of Feeds and Products from the Laboratory Flash Smelting of Copper Sulfide Concentrates

Flash smelting products of a copper sulfide concentrate collected at successive levels in an experimental reactor have been studied by reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive analysis and electron microprobe analysis. Chalcopyrite, intermediate solid solution, bornite, chalcocite, metallic copper, magnetite, iron-copper spinel, pyrrhotite, hematite, delafossite and cuprite have been identified in the product samples. The detailed reflected light microscopy study of these phases and their abundance in the samples has resulted in the identification of the series of reactions during flash smelting