Approaches for Coprocessing Tellurides: A Critical Minerals Perspective with Emphasis on Mineralogy and Metallurgy

This article reviews the processing of tellurium (Te), a critical mineral essential for a clean energy transition. Tellurium is typically obtained from copper anode slimes through electrolytic refinement, however, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on Te production outside of this process. This article discusses potential alternative production flowsheets for Te, specifically those involving the recovery of Te from base metal production processes. Additionally, the article covers the recovery of Te lost in the porphyry copper concentration process as part of the efforts to diversify the Te supply chains. This review article also delves into the different metallurgical approaches and challenges related to Te extraction from gold tellurides, examining various leaching methods, including cyanidation and wet chlorination, which are not commonly discussed in literature about Te production through electrolytic refinement of copper anode slimes. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of Te for the ongoing collaborations between private and public entities to enhance and diversify Te supply chains.