Abstract
Solvent extraction (SX) is one of the most widely applied hydrometallurgical processes in copper production from oxide ore. As the high-grade ore deposits have been developed and depleted, now only low-grade ore deposits are being developed and are therefore facing obstacles of extreme processing conditions. This results in leaching gangue minerals and requires a more complicated solvent extraction system. Recently, synergistic solvent extraction has been introduced to separate copper from the leached solution with high impurities. However, operational obstacles arise due to the complicated solvent extraction process, including multi-stages of extraction, and using more than one extractant in a single solvent extraction system. The phase separation in solvent extraction is one of the major issues in field operation. A poor phase separation could affect the entire process and eventually cause production loss. Therefore, in this study, the phase separation behaviours were studied in consideration of the field operation. Major parameters considered in the study were the type of diluent, temperature, mixing speed, solution pH and Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), and addition of impurities (flocculant and colloidal silica). The phase separation behaviours in the continuous counter-current SX system using a pilot-scale mixer-settler in the above conditions was investigated.
Highlights
A solvent extraction (SX) is one of the most widely applied hydrometallurgical processes in copper production from oxide ores
Many applications have been commercialised in various conditions of the copper recovery process, typically using leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning (EW) [1,2]
The following process is more complicated; for example, multi-stages of extractions, scrubbings, and conditionings in the SXs using more than one extractant and additive is necessary. This SX technique is known as synergistic solvent extraction (SSX) [11,12]
Summary
A solvent extraction (SX) is one of the most widely applied hydrometallurgical processes in copper production from oxide ores. A heap leaching (HL) to SX\EW is one of the most well-known processes for low-grade copper oxide ore processing and production [3,4,5]. The following process is more complicated; for example, multi-stages of extractions, scrubbings, and conditionings in the SXs using more than one extractant and additive is necessary. This SX technique is known as synergistic solvent extraction (SSX) [11,12]
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