WGA led the hydrometallurgical and process engineering expertise for a concept study on the recovery of Germanium and Gallium. WGA’s in-depth knowledge and experience in base metal plants, and byproduct recoveries, ensured the client was well informed to evaluate the options for enhancing future revenue opportunities.
WGA worked closely with Nyrstar providing hydrometallurgical and process engineering expertise throughout all stages of the concept study development.
The critical Process Design Criteria was developed and approved early in the project to ensure accurate assessment of the project’s feasibility and financial analysis. This required using the Process Flowsheets and hourly material flow balance to develop Process Model and Mass and Energy Balance deliverables.
WGA conducted a comprehensive review of the previous laboratory investigations and concept studies and undertook further literature reviews for germanium and gallium recovery. WGA delivered the General Arrangement and layout drawings, Mechanical Equipment Lists of the new process equipment, and factored estimates of new infrastructure.
The two alternative flowsheets involving hydrometallurgical (Bulk leaching) and/or pyrometallurgical (Furnace and Fume leaching) processes were compared, and Capital and Operating Cost Estimates were produced for both. These enabled Nyrstar to evaluate the options for enhancing revenue from the Tennessee operations.
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