Our Operations
Smelter
The site operates an electric arc furnace to process residues and produce an alloy containing copper, cobalt and germanium. The alloy will be processed at the new hydrometallurgical recovery plant to produce copper cathodes, cobalt hydroxide and a germanium concentrate.
Hydrometallurgical processing plant
The raw material of the Hydrometallurgical project is the red alloy from STL’s pyrometallurgy, which in turn uses slag (waste from the former foundries of Générale de Carrière and mines) as raw material.
Refining process
After grinding, a first acid leaching step puts metals in solution which are sent to the purification circuits. After subsequent leaching, separation and filtration, solvent extraction, precipitation, and electrolysis further refine the metals.
Scope Of The Management System
The Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management Systems (OHSMS & EMS) of STL cover all activities related to the treatment of tailings and the hydrometallurgical extraction, refining, and production of copper, cobalt, zinc, germanium, silver, and related by-products, including associated support functions, carried out within the Lubumbashi site.
Exclusions
External transport beyond the site boundaries, off-site suppliers’ facilities, and third-party operations not under STL’s direct control are excluded from this scope.