Effect of NaCl concentration and particle size on chalcopyrite leaching in cupric chloride solution

Abstract

The paper summarizes results of investigation on the effect of NaCl addition to the acidified cupric chloride leaching solution as well as the effect of the particle size (surface area) of chalcopyrite on the kinetics leaching. While NaCl addition has a definitely positive effect on the leaching rate, the effect of particle size is almost negligible. The experiments conducted under this investigation showed good agreement with the opinion stated in the literature that the major effect of NaCl presence results from the formation of complexes. The negligible effect of chalcopyrite particle size on the leaching kinetics suggests that, at least for the metal recovery obtained in our experiments, the chalcopyrite particles do not become covered by the solid layer that would slow down the reaction.