Abstract
Copper extraction from primary copper sulfide ore from a typical porphyry copper deposit from Antofagasta, Chile, was investigated after leaching with a chloride-ferrous media at two temperatures. The study focused on whether this chemical leaching system could be applied at an industrial scale. Leaching tests were conducted in columns loaded with approximately 50 kg of agglomerated ore; the ore was first cured for 14 days and then leached for 90 days. The highest copper extraction, 50.23%, was achieved at 32.9 °C with the addition of 0.6 kg of H2SO4 per ton of ore, 0.525 kg of NaCl per ton of ore, and 0.5 kg of FeSO4 per ton of ore. In respect to copper extraction, the most effective variables were temperature and the addition of NaCl.
Highlights
Copper is considered the third most important metal for industry after iron and aluminum, with a yearly production of 10 Mt [1]
The maximum consumption calculated for the tests was approximately 36.5 kg acid/ton ore for the heated columns at 32.9 ◦ C and 20 kg acid/ton ore for the columns operating at 14.5 ◦ C
The leaching solutions remained at a potential of about 600 mV in all columns with no major variations in order to prevent the formation of a passivation layer that hinders the dissolution of copper
Summary
Copper is considered the third most important metal for industry after iron and aluminum, with a yearly production of 10 Mt [1]. In the north of Chile there are many mining industries that produce copper in cathodes from oxidized minerals with the traditional process of leaching, followed by solvent extraction (SX), and electrowinning (LIX-SX-EW). Due to the deepening of pits [2], depletion of oxidized ores and the presence of sulfide ore is noted, a situation that puts at risk the continuity of hydrometallurgical processes due to the lack of leachable mineral resources. Different leaching techniques for copper sulfide ores, especially chalcopyrite, need to be investigated in the future. The mining industry faces the challenge of extracting copper from low-grade copper ores. In 2002 the average copper ore grade was 1.13%, while in 2011 it was 0.84% [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
