Minimising Carbon Waste in Pyrometallurgical Reduction Processes

The AusIMM Perth Branch is pleased to invite you to this technical talk with William Spencer, Murdoch University/PhD Student/Specialist Metallurgist.

About this event

Conventional pyrometallurgical processes use coal as a fuel and reducing agent for processing ilmenite (FeTiO3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) to produce synthetic rutile and sponge iron, respectively. This process is often carried out at relatively high temperatures that require a significant amount of coal burning to generate sufficient heat and energy to reduce oxides. However, pyrometallurgy contributes approximately 8% of greenhouse gases emitted globally per annum in addition to solid carbon as waste material.

It is essential to consider alternative options, including using renewable fuels in reduction methods to minimise greenhouse gas emissions while converting solid carbon waste into bioactivated carbon.

This presentation aims to explore and highlight the role of renewable biomass (wood) in the synergistic pyrometallurgical process.

Speaker/s

William Spencer

Murdoch University/PhD Student/Specialist Metallurgist

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William Spencer is a Metallurgical Engineer and is completing his PhD in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Murdoch University. In 2018, William received his master’s degree in Metallurgy from Western Australian School of Mines, Curtin University. He has a range of working experience as a process engineer in many industries, including steel making, mineral processing, and pyro/hydrometallurgy. William’s recent research aim is to understand and develop new alternative reduction technologies that can minimise/eliminate carbon footprint in reduction processes, utilising biofuels/hydrogen gas to produce bio-metals/green metals from oxide minerals.