Abstract:As one of the crucial metal smelting processes, the stability and continuous operation of copper smelting strongly rely on the refractory materials. This review firstly summarized the copper smelting process and the required refractories. The main types, characteristics and preparation techniques of refractory materials used in different parts of the copper smelting furnace. The focus was placed on magnesia-chrome refractories, magnesia-alumina refractories, and other new refractories. With the continuous development of materials science and the continuous improvement of environmental protection requirements, researchers had conducted extensive studies on the performance optimization and environmental issues posed by magnesia-chrome refractories, the material characteristics and slag erosion issues of magnesia-alumina refractories and the performance optimization of other new types of refractory materials, which provided strong support for the continuous optimization and upgrading of copper smelting technology. Despite significant progress in the service performance of refractories used in copper smelting, challenges still remained including high costs, environmental unfriendliness during usage, and difficulties in the preparation and development of new materials. On this basis, future research directions were proposed to enhance the performance of refractory materials and achieve energy-efficient and environmentally friendly production.Through these efforts, the sustainable development of the copper smelting industry would be promoted.