In this study, the copper bearing particle of a fayalitic copper slag was assessed using quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) and X-ray computed tomography (CT). The copper content of the slag was ,0?87 wt-%. Copper in this slag was present as sulphidic droplets. The content and particle size distribution of the major sulphide phases (bornite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite/digenite) were quantified using QEMSCAN. The copper bearing particles had a wide particle size distribution from a few micrometres up to millimetre level. Large copper bearing particles (.100 mm) were composed mainly of bornite and chalcocite/digenite and tended to accumulate in the lower part of the slag layer. As characterised with CT, ,70% of the copper value was present in these large copper bearing particles.

Copper slag can be treated as a secondary resource since it usually contains a substantial amount of copper and other valuable metals. Characterization of the slags to determine the expected metal recovery is essential for the design of separation flow sheets. In this study, the chemical and mineralogical composition of a copper slag from El Teniente, Chile were characterized. The copper content of the fayalite based slag is around 0.87 wt% which is higher than for certain copper ores. Copper exists as sulfides in the form of droplets in the slag. The content and particle size distribution of the major sulfide phases (bornite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite) were quantified using analytical scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN). The copper bearing particles have a wide particle size distribution from a few microns up to mm level. Large copper bearing particles (> 100 μm) are composed mainly of bornite and chalcocite and tend to accumulate in the lower part of the slag layer. As characterized with X-ray computed tomography (CT), around 70 volume% of copper value exist in these large copper bearing particles.

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