In this process copper concentrate is fed into the smelter with oxygen-enriched air. The fine concentrate reacts or 'flashes' instantaneously as the sulphur fraction of the copper sulphides is burnt and becomes sulphur dioxide gas. Molten copper and slag fall to the hearth of the smelter. The slag forms a layer on the surface of the molten blister copper. The blister copper is removed periodically for further purifying in an anode furnace and electrolytically refined.
Copper is alloyed with other metals to give it special properties.
Bronze is an alloy of tin and copper. The earliest bronzes were natural alloys derived from mineral deposits which also contained tin. Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper and is used extensively in marine applications because of its resistance to corrosion. Uses Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. More than half of the copper consumed is used in electrical generators and motors, electrical power and lighting fixtures, electrical wiring, radio and television sets, computers and almost everything electrical.