| Abstract: | The depletion of high grade ores and accumulation of huge quantities of metallic scrap and metallurgical wastes have generated significant interest in their processing. In this paper, both pyrometallurgical, as well as hydrometal-lurgical, methods for metal recovery from scrap and wastes (viz., slag, dusts, aqueous effluents, sludge and residues) are reviewed. Scrap recycling and the processing of metallurgical wastes will pollute the environment to a lesser extent and consume less energy compared to the primary metal production. Reprocessing metallurgical waste (viz., slag, red mud, etc.) serves a social objective and ensures raw materials conservation. Research trends reveal that hydrometallurgy may play a dominant role in the waste treatment. Recently developed processes like continuous ion exchange and fluidized bed electrolysis may be used in the future for recovering metals from dilute solutions. |
