residue, nickel matte leaching

Additional physico-chemical information

Administrative data

Endpoint:

other: representative mineralogy

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: No GLP study but other quality assurance

Cross-reference

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

study report

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

2014

Report date:

2014

Materials and methods

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Chemistry /elemental analysis was determined using ICP (inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy). Metal speciation/metal mineralogy was assessed from Sequential extraction/metal analysis and mineralogical analysis (XRD and microscopes equipped with EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometry) and WDS (Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometry) analysers. The interpretation of the overall results was performed by expert (with profound knowledge of metal particularities).

GLP compliance:

no

Remarks:

but equivalent Quality Assurance

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

residue, nickel matte leaching

EC Number:

927-629-1

IUPAC Name:

residue, nickel matte leaching

Details on test material:

Sample collection made according to ECI/REACH Copper Consortium Standards Protocols (see IUCLID section 1.4)
representative sample as collected according to REACH Copper Consortium Sampling protocol (see Iuclid 1.4)
B14, sample description: residue from Ni-matte leaching, representative (grinded, homogenized)
material was dried (105°C) before testing

Results and discussion

Results:

The tested materials were characterized (physico-chemical and mineralogical properties) in view of the upcoming REACH registrations of copper intermediates and copper slags by the Copper Consortium.

Any other information on results incl. tables

Studied copper residue sample contains of 55.3% copper, 8% iron, 1.3% nickel and 20.1% sulfur and consists mainly of covellite (CuS) –type copper sulfide (64.4%), antlerite (Cu3(SO4)(OH)4)- brochantite (Cu4SO4(OH)6) – type copper sulfates (17.9%). In places also anilite (Cu7S4) –type copper sulfides were encountered. Accessory phases include iron sulfates (9.7%) and magnetite (5.1%). Complete chemical assays and mineralogical composition is given in Table 3. Copper is carried mainly by covellite (78.8%) and copper sulfates (20.6%). The rest is carried mainly by relict chalcopyrite and iron sulfates. Covellite is also the main carrier of nickel, cobalt and sulfur while iron is distributed mainly between iron sulfates and magnetite.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

Good quality study that assessed full chemistry and mineralogy of representative sample of Residue from Nickel matte leaching. Proposed RWC mineralogy (distribution pattern for each key element, i.e. % from Total into the various mineralogical forms/species present into the UVCB) can be used for classification of the UVCB substance (mixture toxicity rules)

Executive summary:

Copper residue, provided by Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta Oy, was characterized in detail. Based on chemical assays studied copper residue sample contains 55.3% copper, 1.3% nickel, and 20.1% sulfur and consists of mainly of covellite –type copper sulfide (64.4%), antlerite- brochantite –type copper sulfates (17.9%), iron sulfates (9.7%) and magnetite (5.1%).