RESEARCH OF THE POSSIBILITY OF RECOVERING IRON OXIDES FROM THE COMPOSITION OF COPPER SLAG OF JSC "ALMALYK MMC"

ABSTRACT The article presents a study on the potential for recovering iron-containing raw materials through the processing of stale slags generated from copper production at JSC “Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Company” (JSC “Almalyk MMC”). The research focuses on the utilization of Angren coal as a reducing agent in both low-temperature and high-temperature reduction processes, carried out under laboratory conditions. Low-temperature reduction was performed at temperatures ranging from 900°C to 1100°C. The results showed that the degree of reduction of iron oxides reached 64.5%, while copper oxides were reduced by 40.3%. These values indicate partial but significant metal recovery, making this method a potentially viable option for preliminary metal extraction from slags. In contrast, high-temperature reduction demonstrated more efficient separation and metal recovery. Two main products were obtained during this process: (1) an iron-containing alloy with a high iron content ranging from 84.5% to 92.9%, and copper concentrations of up to 1.4% and secondary slags. The resulting slags, due to their stable composition and physical properties, were identified as suitable for reuse, particularly in the construction industry, as aggregate material in road building or concrete production. This study confirms the feasibility of reprocessing industrial slags not only to recover valuable metals but also to promote waste minimization and resource circularity.