E.Shibata Lab

Introduction

 In the modern non-ferrous smelting sector, the concept of "Multi-metal Smelting" has emerged as a pivotal technological paradigm for achieving the circular utilization of diverse metal resources.
Fundamentally, this concept is rooted in the organic integration of conventional smelting processes for individual metals, such as copper, lead, and zinc, and the systematization of diverse process technologies, ranging from mineral processing and pyrometallurgy (involving roasting, oxidation, and reduction) to hydrometallurgy and electrometallurgy. Highly efficient systems based on this concept enable the effective extraction and refining of not only base metals but also a wide variety of minor and precious metals.These metals are recovered from ores as well as secondary raw materials with complex compositions, such as E-scrap, waste, and smelting by-products. Practically, this approach envisions utilizing Japan's diverse existing smelting facilities to achieve integration through the input of secondary raw materials into optimal smelters and the efficient mutual circulation of generated by-products and intermediate materials.Consequently, this initiative is positioned as a decisive contribution by the non-ferrous smelting industry toward the realization of a future-oriented resource-circulation society.
 In our laboratory, we conduct activities contributing to the construction of metal resource circulation systems based on the “Multi-metal Smelting” concept.Our specific development projects encompass a wide range of technologies, including smelting and refining techniques for novel mineral resources such as seabed minerals, innovative electrometallurgy, pre-treatment of secondary raw materials, and waste detoxification processes.Furthermore, we are engaged in extracting metals from smelting by-products and ensuring the stable immobilization of environmentally hazardous elements.While our research and development are primarily grounded in chemical thermodynamics, we also actively address complex technical challenges that extend beyond the scope of thermodynamics alone.