Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy(SAIMM) calls on its Members to converge for the re-launch of the SAIMM Pretoria Branch taking place on 25 July at Engineering 1, Exhibition Space at the University of Pretoria from 17:00 - 20:00. This event aims to cultivate and reignite Branch engagements and encourage knowledge sharing between professionals in Mining, Metallurgical and related fields.
SAIMM Pretoria Branch Chairperson, Professor Pieter Pistorius is an Associate Professor at the University of Pretoria, and Head of the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) Centre for Welding Engineering.
Professor Pistorius is also a SAIMM Fellow and holds a degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Pretoria (UP), an MMet in Physical Metallurgy from Sheffield University and a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from UP. With almost two decades' experience as a lecturer Professor Pistorious is a seasoned industry expert
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network with industry experts and be part of an exciting new chapter.
Dr. Kathy Sole who is Consulting Hydrometallurgist and Professor, Department of Materials Science & Metallurgical Engineering, University of Pretoria a joins the event as a seasoned speaker and will present on Copper solvent extraction on the African Copperbelt: From historic origins to world-leading status.
Dr. Sole received her PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Arizona. Since 2011, Kathy has offered independent consultancy services, specialising in operational hydrometallurgical support, process development, technical reviews, and as a subject matter expert.
Furthermore, Dr. Sole has been awarded the Silver Medal of the SAIMM, the Bronze Medal of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Milton E. Wadsworth Award of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration in the USA.
For more information on SAIMM Branch activities contact, Membership Engagement Specialist/Lead, Kea Shumnba on kea@saimm.co.za or +27 11 538 0242
Presentation Synopsis
Approximately 20% of world copper cathode is produced using a hydrometallurgical process route, generally referred to as the L–SX–EW flowsheet. Since its commercialization in Zambia in the early 1970s, steady performance and efficiency improvements have made an ever-widening range of ore types amenable to this technology and has been successfully implemented on six continents.
A large proportion of growth in recent years derives from the re-emergence of copper SX in the Central African Copperbelt. This presentation reviews the development and evolution of copper extractants and contactors, and the significance of the Copperbelt region in achieving commercialization and acceptance of the technology.
The opportunities and challenges presented by the abundant high-grade oxide ores of the Copperbelt are contrasted with those of the low-grade mixed oxide–sulfide ore bodies that are prevalent in other geological regions. The status of hydrometallurgical copper production in the African Copperbelt, within a global context, and a medium-term outlook for the technology are discussed.