Management of toxic substances: base metals smelting sector

Base Metals Smelting is the production of cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and zinc through the use of pyrometallurgical, electrolytic or hydrometallurgical processes. Various co-product metals are produced, such as gold, silver, indium, germanium, cadmium, bismuth and selenium. Primary smelting and refining processes produce metals directly from ores, while secondary smelting and refining produces metals from scrap and process wastes.

Substance(s) Managed Under this Source

• Inorganic arsenic compounds
• Oxidic, sulphidic, and soluble inorganic nickel compounds
• Inorganic cadmium compounds
• Particulate matter containing metals that is released in emissions from copper smelters or refineries, or from both
• Particulate matter containing metals that is released in emissions from zinc plants
• Chlorobiphenyls
• Mercury and its compounds
• Sulphur dioxide

Strategic Options Report

Click on the following link to view strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with releases:

• Strategic Options for Management of Toxic Substances from the Base Metals Smelting Sector

Risk Management Tool(s)

Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with releases:

• Proposed notice requiring the preparation and implementation of pollution prevention plans in respect of specified toxic substances released from base metals smelters and refineries and zinc plants, 2004-09-25 

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