Fluxing Optimisation and Control Improvements at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter

The Nickel West Kalgoorlie Smelter (NKS) treats a blended nickel sulphide concentrate from multiple ore bodies containing a high portion of magnesia in an integrated flash smelter. Fluxing and related control strategies have been an area of continuous improvement. Recent improvements in slag liquidus control have been achieved through the application of powerful thermodynamic modelling software (FACTSage) combined with improved process measurements and implementation of a highly automated control model (Outotec Process Advisor).