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In this work, we analyse and structure the information on the distribution of noble metals during pyrometallurgical processing of copper-sulphide and copper-nickel concentrates, available in domestic and foreign scientific sources. The data on the influence of oxygen partial pressure in the system and, consequently, the matte composition, process temperature, and the phase composition of slag on the distribution of platinum group metals, gold, and silver between the smelting products were analysed. Broad-ranging information on the distribution of the examined metals between matte and slag in the processing of copper-sulphide and copper-nickel concentrates was studied. It was established that the distribution of noble metals between the products of smelting using modern analytical methods is still in its early stages. Contradictory information on the behaviour of gold, silver, and platinum group metals during the pyrometallurgical processing of copper-sulphide and copper-nickel concentrates is presented in literature due to the variations in the experimental procedures, preparation, and analysis of test samples, and, as a result, further interpretation of the obtained results. Furthermore, no data on the influence of such technological parameters as magnetite content in the slag phase, the relationship between copper and nickel in the initial furnace charge and obtained mattes on the distribution of gold, silver, and platinum group metals between the products of smelting are available. In addition, no information on the distribution of noble metals during the pyrometallurgical slags depletion obtained in oxidative smelting of copper-nickel production has been published. Thus, it was decided to perform further research on establishing optimal technological conditions for oxidising smelting of copper-sulphide and copper-nickel concentrates, as well as pyrometallurgical depletion of slags, allowing for the highest extraction rates of noble metals into the target product.

The world’s nickel producers rely on the use of sulphide and oxidized nickel ores, which can vary greatly in terms of their characteristics and cost effectiveness. The Russian Federation is the world’s leading nickel producer, and it is currently exploiting copper and nickel sulphide ore deposits. At the same time, the country houses a considerable amount of oxidized nickel ores (ONOs), which are almost out of industrial use at the moment. At the same time, such ores serve as the main source of nickel abroad, and foreign countries have a vast experience of developing such deposits, and research is ongoing on the subject. One of the major issues related to the poor effectiveness of known techniques for processing ONOs found in Russia is a low concentration of nickel in such ores. This limits the applicability of certain solutions. It would be interesting to compare different ONO processing techniques and analyse their applicability to the deposits found in the Urals. The paper points out that, regardless of numerous pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes applicable to ONOs, developing new processes remains an important task, especially in application to the ONOs found in the Urals. Such new process should be able to yield high-grade nickel and cobalt products, make use of high-iron and high-magnesium ores, and ensure maximum recovery of commercial nickel and cobalt. The most promising process applicable to the ONOs found in the Urals includes either nitric acid leaching with further processing of leaching solutions or the use of combination processing schemes. © 2019, "Ore and Metals" Publishing house. All rights reserved.