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The Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery is a metallurgical unit belonging to Nexa Resources SA; its production capacity is 335 kt of refined zinc. It is an integrated Zinc Refinery that processes Zinc concentrates from the route known as RLE (Roasting–Leaching–Electrowinning). The Electrowinning stage is of fundamental importance because it consumes 80% of all electrical energy and this represents 31% of the entire conversion cost. It also restricts the production capacity of the plant. In the years 2015, 2016, and 2017, there was a significant reduction in the current efficiency of the electrolysis, impacting the transformation cost and also the production capacity of the Refinery. This work includes research studies, actions taken to restore performance, and stability of the process. At present, Cajamarquilla’s performance in current efficiency is benchmark against the main world competitors. In addition, the main future developments to increase the competitiveness of the unit are presented. |
