74.01 Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper).
(A) Copper mattes. This is obtained by the fusion of roasted copper sulphide ores to separate the copper sulphide from the gangue and the other metals which form a slag that floats on the surface of the matte. The matte consists essentially of copper and iron sulphides and is generally in the form of black or brown granules (obtained by pouring the molten matte into water) or a crude mass, with a dull, metallic appearance. (B) Cement copper (precipitated copper). Cement copper (precipitated copper) is a product obtained by precipitation (cementation), i.e., by adding iron to the aqueous solution resulting from the leaching of certain roasted ores or residues. It is a finely divided black powder containing oxides and insoluble impurities. It is sometimes used in anti fouling paints and agricultural fungicides but is more often added to the charge which goes to a melting furnace to produce copper matte. Cement copper must not be confused with the copper powder of heading 74.06, which does not contain impurities.
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