Special Issue "Feature papers in Extractive Metallurgies"
Extractive metallurgy deals with the processes for the recovery of valuable metals from ores
and concentrates (primary metallurgy) or waste raw materials such as slags, slime, and flying
ashes (recycling or secondary metallurgy). Regarding the type of obtained metals, these
processes are divided into five different groups: extractive metallurgy of iron and steel, nonferrous
extractive metallurgy, extractive metallurgy of precious metals, extractive metallurgy
of rare earth elements, and refractory metal extractive metallurgy. These processes in
extractive metallurgy include unit processes for separating highly pure metals from
undesirable metals in an economically efficient system. Extractive metallurgy is based on
unit metallurgical operations that are usually separated into three categories: 1)
hydrometallurgy (leaching, mixing, neutralization, precipitation, cementation, and
crystallization); 2) pyrometallurgy (roasting and smelting); and 3) electrometallurgy (aqueous
electrolysis and molten salt electrolysis).
Edited by
Srecko Stopic
ISBN 978-3-7258-4681-8 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-4682-5 (PDF)
