Nippon Mining & Metals to Test New Wet Copper Smelting

Nippon Mining & Metals announced on Tuesday the firm conducts a demonstration test for the commercial application of Nikko Chloride Process (N-Chlo Process), which enables effective recovery of copper and gold from low grade copper concentrates. The firm will construct and operate a pilot plant with 100-tonne annual output in Australia during Apr09-Mar10. The test will be conducted in cooperation with Newcrest Mining, Australian mining company. The capital expenditure will total 3.6 billion yen including the construction and operation of the plant.

Nippon Mining & Metals has developed its original hydrometallurgical method, N-Chlo Process. The process enables effective recovery of copper, gold and silver from copper concentrates whose grade is even as low as 20%. The copper grade is normally around 30%. N-Chlo Process could realize the development of low-grade copper mines and the operation enhancement of existent copper mines. The firm aims to complete the demonstration test sooner and utilize the technology for acquisition or development of new mines.