Abstract: The process for converting a copper sulphide matte to blister copper, is achieved by adding the copper sulphide matte and flux to a suitable agitated slag phase; and injecting, from a discharge tip at the lower end of a top-submerged lance, an oxidizing gas suitable for reacting with the matte to produce blister copper which forms or adds to a continuous blister copper phase below the slag phase. The lance tip is located within the slag phase at a depth enabling the injected gas to agitate the slag phase, and to react with copper sulphide matte dispersed therein, while precluding a substantial proportion of the gas from contacting the continuous blister copper phase.

Abstract: An industrially realistic process for upgrading of titaniferous materials is disclosed. The process comprises the following steps: (i) a pretreatment which has the effect of rendering silica amenable to leaching under the particular conditions of a subsequent leach, and (ii) an aqueous leach in the presence of an acid, the conditions of which are chosen such that silica which enters solution is not hydrolysed or precipitated as a silicate. The pretreatment step (i) may comprise alkaline leaching, roasting or smelting. The leaching step (ii) may be conducted at low solids densities.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for stabilizing radionuclides extracted during the upgrading of minerals. The process comprises forming a composition of a radionuclide and a component and roasting the composition so that the component forms a crystalline phase having a structure that binds the radionuclides. Suitable components include a compound of a lanthanide and/or phosphorus and zirconia. Zirconia in its cubic form is useful in stabilizing uranium and thorium.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for removing radionuclides from zircon. The process involves thermally decomposing the zircon in the presence of suitable additives, extracting the radionuclides chemically and recovering zirconia and silica. Suitable additives include fluxes, silica and any oxide capable of forming a silicate with silica when heated. Chemical treatments disclosed include leaching with mineral acids and strong organic acids. Methods of stabilizing the radionuclides extracted by leaching are also disclosed. One method involves spray roasting. Another method involves neutralization of leach liquor and recovery of radionuclide solids by filtration or other suitable liquid/solid separation techniques.