Kazakhstan Achieves Major Selenium Enrichment Breakthrough
Kazakhstan, a global leader in selenium production, has made a significant technological advancement, enhancing its selenium enrichment to a remarkable purity of 99.5%.
Developed by Satbayev University's Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation, the new technology, led by Bagdaulet Kenzhaliyev, marks a substantial leap in selenium extraction methods. This innovative approach is notable for its cost-effectiveness and reagent-free process, enabling the extraction of refined selenium in a single stage.
This breakthrough presents considerable economic potential. The cost of producing pure selenium is approximately $4 per kilogram (kg), while the refined selenium, boasting over 99.5% purity, commands a market value ranging from $110 to $150 per kg. This contrasts starkly with the price of raw selenium, which, with a maximum purity of 80%, is valued at $10 to $12 per kg.
The production facility, utilizing raw material from the Balkhash copper smelting plant of Kazakhmys Smelting, is set to process 75 tonnes of raw selenium annually. This will result in the production of over 60 tonnes of high-purity refined selenium. The facility's capacity to yield such significant quantities of refined selenium underscores the importance of this scientific achievement.
Selenium, typically found in metal sulfide ores, has a wide range of applications in various industries, making this advancement particularly significant. The enhanced purity and efficient extraction process position Kazakhstan favorably in the global selenium market, potentially impacting global supply dynamics.
The Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, lauded this achievement as a milestone for Kazakhstan's scientific and industrial sectors, reinforcing the country's standing as a key player in the global metal markets.
