← Back
1889-1971
Charles L. Kuzell​
Induction Year
1988
Inductee Number
15

Charles R. Kuzell, in his willingness to contribute unselfishly to his industry, left a legacy of knowledge and invaluable advancements to the science of copper smelting. He developed the Great Falls type of lined converters, and invented a tamped periclase lining for these converters, which greatly reduced costs over the previous brick linings. He designed the first successful all-welded Pierce-Smith converter shell. The entire smelting system at Ajo, Arizona, was conceived by Mr. Kuzell. Among its many innovations it included: a unique concentrate storage and flux-mining unit; the charging of concentrate by means of cans and slingers; and the use of magnetite sand for a furnace bottom. This unique smelting system was a profound success and reflected his genius to all the industry.​

His most significant contribution was the development of a technique for hot patching furnace roofs and sidewalls using a silica slurry, during operation! This was an incredible innovation because operations could be continued indefinitely without a shutdown for repairs. Mr. Kuzell held many patents relating to smelting techniques and devices.​

He was also well known in the field of labor relations and he developed outstanding mine and smelter safety programs.​