Global tellurium supply potential from electrolytic copper refining

Resources, Conservation & Recycling
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The transition towards renewable energy requires increasing quantities of nonfuel mineral commodities, including tellurium used in certain photovoltaics. While demand for tellurium may increase markedly, the potential to increase tellurium supply is not well-understood. In this analysis, we estimate the quantity of tellurium contained in anode slimes generated by electrolytic copper refining by country between 1986 and 2018, including uncertainties. For 2018, the results indicate that 1930 (1500-2700, 95% confidence interval) metric tons of tellurium were contained in anode slimes globally. This is nearly quadruple the reported tellurium production for that year. China has the greatest potential to increase tellurium supplies. However, most of the tellurium potentially recoverable by Chinese refineries appears to come from copper mined elsewhere. Further research into the business decisions associated with tellurium recovery may help translate the physical availability of tellurium into economic availability. The methodology presented here can be applied to other byproduct elements.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Global tellurium supply potential from electrolytic copper refining
Series title Resources, Conservation & Recycling
DOI 10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106434
Volume 184
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) National Minerals Information Center
Description 106434, 11 p.
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details