How AI-powered solutions can help optimize smelters

Many of the commodities that affect our everyday lives are processed by smelters and fumer-furnace operations. These include products made from copper, nickel, and zinc, such as electrical wiring, kitchen appliances, and some types of batteries. Smelters are also used to produce precious metals, such as gold or silver, and animal feed, and to provide heat for dryers and roasters, which must be operated in concert for efficient production. Despite the importance of smelters, operations are becoming increasingly challenging. Most smelters globally have been in operation for at least 20 years, resulting in higher maintenance requirements. Second, feed quality is declining.