Mining & Processing

How Arsenic Is Mined and Processed

Arsenic (As) is a specialty metal with global annual production of approximately 35,000 tonnes, primarily from China and Morocco. Typical ore grades range from Byproduct - grades vary.

Mining Methods

Arsenic is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Byproduct of copper and gold smelting
• Byproduct of lead refining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Arsenic include:

• Arsenopyrite - FeAsS
• Orpiment - As2S3
• Realgar - As4S4

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Arsenic ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Roasting of arsenopyrite
2. Sublimation from flue dust
3. Reduction of arsenic trioxide

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Arsenic must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 50% of global production is concentrated.