Refining & Grade Specs

Tellurium Refining Methods and Grade Specifications

The transformation of Tellurium concentrate into refined products suitable for industrial use requires specialized metallurgical and chemical processes. Tellurium is refined into 4 primary commercial forms, each serving specific end-use sectors.

Refining Processes

The primary refining and processing pathways for Tellurium include:

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

Product Forms and Grade Specifications

Refined Tellurium is available in the following commercial forms, each with specific purity requirements:

Quality Standards and Benchmarks

International standards for Tellurium products are established by organizations such as ASTM International and various national standards bodies. Pricing is referenced against Metal Bulletin / SMM (99.99%) assessments. These standards define minimum purity levels, acceptable impurity limits, and testing methodologies that facilitate international trade.

Refining Capacity and Geography

Global refining capacity for Tellurium is concentrated in a limited number of countries. China controls approximately 55% of primary production and plays a significant role in downstream refining. Efforts to diversify refining capacity are a key priority for governments seeking to reduce supply chain dependencies, particularly in the cadmium telluride solar cells sector.