Extraction and stripping of Cu and Ni from synthetic and industrial solutions of Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine containing Cu, Ni, Fe and Zn ions

Abstract

Abstract The extraction and stripping of Cu and Ni ions from synthetic and industrial solutions of Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine containing Cu (770 mg/L), Ni (3200 mg/L), Fe (800 mg/L) and Zn (200 mg/L) were comprehensively investigated using D2EHPA, LIX 984, Cyanex 302, Chemorex CP 150 and Acorga 5774 diluted in kerosene. The influential parameters such as mixing speed and time, concentration of extractant, pH and temperature were considered in extraction stage. Furthermore, stripping of Cu and Ni was examined using different inorganic and organic acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric and citric acids) with different concentrations. The results indicated that the highest extractions of Cu and Ni occurred within 3 min, with the mixing speed of 500 r/min, 28 °C and A/O ratio of 1:1. Moreover, Cu was extracted by LIX 984 at the concentration of 10% (v/v), whereas Ni was extracted by Cyanex 302 at the concentration of 30% (v/v), efficiently. The optimal pH for Cu and Ni extraction is in ranges of 2−3 and 4−5, respectively. Cu and Ni were selectively extracted with the recoveries of 85%, 93% and 77%, 82% from synthetic and industrial solutions containing Ni, Cu, Zn and Fe ions, respectively. The results of optimal condition showed that 96% of Ni and 93% of Cu were stripped from the synthetic and industrial solutions. Finally, four elements Zn, Fe, Cu and Ni were extracted in three stages with D2EHPA, LIX 984 and Cyanex 302 extractants respectively with the least impurities.