short definition: intermediate in copper secondary smelting
copper-containing metallic substance obtained by reaction of silicon with a complex mixture of a copper, lead and tin containing alloy scrap. At high temperature, and if enough silicon is available, a copper containing liquid phase (called “cupro”) can be isolated. Cupro contains copper and residues of other ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their oxides. Cupro is sensitive to air oxidation at room temperature, resulting in a gradual transformation of the metals into their oxides. Cupro is further metallurgically processed to obtain “blister copper” and “anode copper” (> 80% copper)
synonyms: cupro, copper processing; 919-583-6;