Kazakhmys Produces High-Purity Selenium Using Vacuum Distillation

Kazakhmys Progress LLP has successfully produced technical selenium of grade ST-1 at its refining and slag processing workshop in Balkhash, Kazakhstan. This marks the first industrial-scale production using a unique vacuum distillation method in the country. The first batch, amounting to 100 tons, contains at least 99.5% selenium purity.

The vacuum distillation method, developed by the Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Enrichment at Satbayev University, enables a high degree of purification without the use of reagents, making the process environmentally friendly. This innovation has increased the added value of selenium from 30% to 97% of the world market price.

The project originated with the modernization of the gas purification system at Kazakhmys Alloy LLP’s precious metals refining section between 2017 and 2018, which boosted crude selenium production from 60 to 100 tons per year. Refining operations at the Balkhash industrial site began in 2020, with a new production unit launched in 2022 and industrial operations starting in 2023.

Kazakhmys Group, a vertically integrated mining and metallurgy holding company, is a major player in non-ferrous metals production. It ranks 20th globally in copper concentrate production and 12th in blister and cathode copper production. The company also contributes significantly to Kazakhstan’s silver production, accounting for 51% of the national total in 2020.