This paper provides a critical analysis of some known technologies designed for the processing of сopper anode slimes that are used in industrial practice. The authors point out some difficulties related to and advantages of separate process stages and conventional technologies as a combination of process stages. Criteria for choosing priority technological approaches for the comprehensive processing of slimes are formulated. The mass of precious metals in the work in progress is considered as the key criterion. Based on the results of pilot experiments and systematic studies, as well as taking into account the combined experience of Ural Federal University’s academics and IMG-Engineering’s specialists, some key concepts were formulated for a completely hydrometallurgical processing of slime. The process principles underlying the proposed concept are:
– use of alkaline or acidic solutions at different process stages to successively remove concomitant elements from the slime;
– the leaching of poorly soluble compounds contained in the slime can be performed through a controlled change of the oxidation-reduction potential of the solution in the presence of selectively acting complexing reagents;
– preservation of noble metals at all stages in a solid insoluble product, which eliminates the need for additional treatment of commercial solutions;
– associated extraction of lead, antimony, bismuth and tin into marketable products;
– use of available, non-toxic reagents that ensure sufficient solubility of the compounds of the extracted metals and practicably acceptable amounts of process solutions.
The process features of the proposed concept and separate process stages are protected by 8 patents, with the authors of this paper being among the patent holders.