General information about the sector

As reported by the European Commission, non-ferrous metals are important for EU’s manufacturing industries, economic growth and sustainability.  Non-ferrous metals have unique characteristics that allow their wide use. These characteristics are: (i) low weight (aluminium) (ii) high conductivity (copper), (iii) resistance to corrosion and (iv) non-magnetic property (zinc). Because of the last two properties, they are recognized from ferrous materials. Non-ferrous metal are utilized in mechanical engineering, transport, aerospace, construction, packaging, electricity and energy sector, electronics, and medical devices. (According to EC, Raw materials, metals, minerals and forest-based industries, Metal industries,  Non-ferrous metals, 2018.)

Industrial Activity (NACE Code C24.4)

Brine effluent generated in non-ferrous metal production

The following table summarizes the key parameters for non-ferrous metals wastewater characterization.

Key parameters for non-ferrous metals wastewater characterisation