Primary Copper Smelting: National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
Rule Summary
On June 12, 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated final air toxics standards for the Primary Copper Smelting major sources. Primary copper smelting is the industry which refines copper sulfide ore concentrate from mined ore to produce anode grade copper, using pyrometallurgical processes. Smelting includes the handling and blending of ore concentrate; the drying of copper concentrate; the smelting of concentrate to matte grade copper; the conversion of matte grade copper to blister grade copper; the refining of blister grade copper to anode grade copper; and the pouring of copper anodes.
The toxic air pollutants reduced by this major source rule include arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel. When fully implemented, EPA estimates the rule will reduce annual nationwide HAP emissions from the major source category by approximately 23 percent or 22 megagrams per year.
Rule History
06/12/2002 - Final rule.
06/26/2000 - Supplement to proposed rule.
04/20/1998 - Proposed rule and notice of public hearing.