Transforming Waste into Value: Glencore Technology Cuts Operational Costs and Enhances Efficiency at McArthur River Mine
Brisbane, Australia
For immediate release
Glencore Technology's innovative application of its Albion Process™ at the McArthur River Mine's (MRM) zinc flotation operation has enabled on-site production of copper sulphate reagent, resulting in a significant reduction in operational expenses.
Transporting critical reagents like copper sulphate crystals can heavily impact costs at remote mine sites. At MRM, copper sulphate accounted for nearly 30% of operational expenses, exceeding $30 million AUD annually. To address this challenge, MRM partnered with Glencore Technology to explore alternative methods for on-site production of copper sulphate, significantly cutting these costs.
While some operations have turned to leaching copper oxide for copper sulphate, this approach has proven costly due to high material and transportation expenses. Glencore Technology proposed using the Albion Process™ to produce the reagent from refinery-produced Copper Cementation Cake—a high-grade copper waste stream.
By utilizing copper cake, which contains 40–70% copper compared to just 25.5% in copper sulphate, MRM can transport significantly less material, reducing handling and shipping by 600 tonnes each month.
Historically, Copper Cake (“Copper Mud”) was overlooked for industrial copper sulphate manufacturing due to high levels of penalty metals like cadmium, lead, iron, and arsenic. However, since copper mud is priced similarly to copper concentrate, it offers a more cost-effective alternative to higher-purity products from reagent suppliers. The Albion Process™ was selected for its proven effectiveness, safety, and robustness in oxidizing sulfidic materials, making it an ideal solution for converting copper cake into a valuable reagent.
Daniel Smith, MRM’s Manager of Metallurgy & Port Operations, said the decision to integrate the Albion Process™ has delivered measurable benefits.
“By implementing the Albion Process™ to leach copper cake for on-site copper sulphate production, MRM has delivered substantial process efficiencies. The circuit enables controlled oxidation of a high-grade copper waste stream, converting it into a usable reagent while minimizing impurity carryover.”
This successful implementation of the Albion Process™ at MRM emphasizes Glencore Technology's commitment to partnering with customers from the beginning, customizing solutions that deliver real results. By transforming copper cake into a critical reagent on-site, MRM has boosted productivity and reduced its environmental footprint. Glencore Technology remains dedicated to developing tailored solutions that drive value and support the future of mining.
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Glencore Technology is a provider of innovative solutions for the global mining industry, including industry leading technologies such as IsaMill™, Jameson Cell, IsaKidd™, Albion Process™ and IsaSmelt™ and more.