University research on molten slags, matte, speiss and metal systems for high temperature processing – challenges, opportunities and solutions

Recent decades have seen significant advancements in analytical and experimental techniques, thermodynamic theory, and computational capabilities in high temperature research which are particularly timely to address the challenges of increasingly complex and variable feedstocks in both primary and secondary pyrometallurgical processes, the need to optimise and improve them. Currently a research program is in progress on the development of the 20-component multi-phase thermodynamic database for pyrometallurgical smelting, refining and recycling systems describing thermodynamics and phase equilibria of molten slag, matte, speiss, salts, alloys and associated solids. The integrated experimental and modelling program has been supported for nearly two decades by several consortia of 14 major international companies with over 30 operations around the world, integrates many components, incorporates many in-house developments, and brings together many different groups of professionals of different levels from junior and mid-career to senior from both industry and university sectors. The aims of the paper are: * to outline the many components and issues of the overall program including analytical, experimental and thermodynamic modelling research as well as implementation of the results in industrial practice, professional education, planning and organisation issues. * to highlight the opportunities, challenges, and possible solutions. * to present these to all different groups of professionals involved in the current program. * and thus, importantly, to facilitate possible future further developments and collaborations in the field of phase equilibria and thermodynamics of complex high-temperature systems.