Abstract
Copper extraction by biohydrometallurgy is a modern method that has recently been introduced from the laboratory scale to the industrial scale. The presence of different elements and compounds in the feed to the processing plant may cause important changes in the copper cathode production line. In this case study, the effect of compounds in two types of chalcocite and chalcopyrite concentrates on the efficiency of copper cathode production was investigated. The experimental findings have demonstrated that the consumption of sulfuric acid for the dissolution of chalcocite concentrate is 29% higher than that of chalcopyrite concentrate. This variation can be attributed to the existence of a greater amount of calcium in the chalcocite concentrate. The results of the design expert showed that if >90% copper recovery is required, in the presence of high amounts of SiO2, the iron content of the concentrate should be <10%; in the presence of small amounts of SiO2, the iron content of the concentrate should be <22%. If >90% copper recovery is required, the iron content of the concentrate should be <20% (for low amounts of CaO) or <12% (for high amount of CaO).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.