ABSTRACT
The objective in extraction metallurgy is to achieve a change in the chemical composition to convert a metallic mineral into a metal with the purity required for the intended use by the cheapest practical route. Kinetics determine the time taken to achieve a desired end point (e.g., metal composition) and thus affect the productivity of any process. In general, as the productivity is raised the capital costs, the energy consumption, the man-hours, etc. per tonne of production are all decreased and the profitability is increased. Hence, control of the reaction kinetics may make the difference between a viable and a nonviable production route.
