El medio ambiente en la minería

91 ANGELSELKE Based on tbe activities sbown in tbe figure 1 tbe selected process are tbe fol1owing: Metallurgical Activity : - New tankbouse at tbe Norddeutsche Af– finerie, Hamburg/Germany - The QSL-Process Waste Gases Improved Converter Control Residue & Wastes Waste Water - EnergyManagement and optimization in Sul– pburic Acid Plants for the Copper Industry Residue Treatment in the Zinc Industry based on the Hematite Process Arsenic Removal from washing acid New tankbouse at the Norddeutsche Amnerie AG Electrolytic copper refining is environmentalIy not one of the more critical processingsteps in non-ferrous metalIurgy. It is nevertheless mentioned in this context as an example how development work botb in respect to process technology and mechanizationJautomatization have increased efficiency of conventional processes and tbus have improved tbe environmental situation. The new tankhouse of Norddeutsche Affinerie based on the "rigid blank" technology of Mount Isa Mines represents today mest modem and efficient tankhouse. Cathodes meeting highest quality standards are produced al cur– rent densities of up to 300 Alm 3 with mínimum labour requirements. 1t is characterized by a comparatively narrow electrode spacing, big sized electrodes and big sized electrolytic cells as well as by the highest degree of mechanization and automatization of electrode preparation and handling. The tankhouse is provided aIso with a stack which is a somewhat unusual feature oC a copper tankhouse. To improve tbe environmental situation espe– cially in respect to possible minor arsenic emissions all critica1 areas, e.g. storage and deareation units aswell as the regulator cells to control the copper content in the electrolyte are ventilated. This ventilating air is scrubbed and discharged via the stack. The QSL-Process for Primary Lead Production The ultimate pollution problem ror lead smelting is both the emissions of toxic lead containing dusts and fume as well as sulphur dioxide gas to tbe environ– ment and tbe workplace. To prevent the generation and dispersion of dust and fume the QSL-Process offers the following main features: