Mining & Processing

How Tellurium Is Mined and Processed

Tellurium (Te) is a technology metal with global annual production of approximately 500 tonnes, primarily from China and Japan. Typical ore grades range from Byproduct - 10-80 ppm in copper anodes.

Mining Methods

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

• Byproduct of copper refining (anode slimes)

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Tellurium include:

• Tellurium recovered from copper electrolytic refinery anode slimes

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Tellurium ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Roasting and leaching of anode slimes
2. Cementation
3. Electrorefining

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Tellurium 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 55% of global production is concentrated.