Abstract: A process for reduction smelting of copper-, nickel- or cobalt-containing materials in which such a material, at least partly in oxidic form is heated or combusted in finely divided form in a neutral or oxidizing flame to provide superheated particles. The superheated particles are then distributed onto a thin layer of coke. The materials in the particles are reduced in the thin layer of coke to metals or mattes or, in the case of iron, to wustite which forms a discardable slag with flux. Reduced product and slag form separate molten layers underneath the thin coke layer. All heat necessary for reduction and melting of product and slag is provided directly by the flame both in sensible heat in the superheated particles and by radiation.

Abstract: A process for autogenously smelting copper sulfide ore concentrate directly to semi-blister copper in which a calcareous flux is charged directly to an autogenouse furnace along with concentrate and copper-containing coolant. Furnace products are semi-blister copper, calcareous slag and off-gas rich in sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: A process for autogenously smelting sulfidic copper material in the presence of a calcareous flux in which slag cleaning to provide metallic copper is employed. Such metallic copper provided by slag cleaning is usefully employed as a coolant in the autogenous smelting operation.

Abstract: A copper flash smelting process in which part of a sulfidic copper feed is roasted in the presence of a calcareous SO.sub.2 scavenger to produce a calcine containing calcium sulfate and an oxidic copper product, the calcine is mixed with additional feed and the mixture is flash smelted to provide a metallic product and a calcareous slag.

Abstract: An autogeneous smelting process for suldie materials using a roasted portion blended with unroasted material in the presence of a flux.

Abstract: Selenium-bearing materials are treated to convert selenium values to water-soluble form in a process which comprises producing a wet pellet product of uniform composition having a specified moisture content and size from an aqueous slurry containing the selenium-bearing material and dissolved sodium carbonate-containing reagent. In a preferred embodiment the slurry is pH-adjusted to neutralize free acid and/or to precipitate nonferrous base metals. spThis is a continuation of application Ser. No. 151,349 filed May 19, 1980, abandoned.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating a matte for selective extraction of nonferrous metals using a single stage oxidative pressure leach wherein leaching is carried out in a continuous manner and relatively mild conditions on an aqueous slurry of the matte having a specific sulfur adjustment, having copper present in the aqueous phase, and having a final pH of less than .about.4 but not less than .about.3.