Abstract
Response surface methodology is used to optimize the leaching process for refractory flotation copper tailings. The proportion of the refractory combination oxide copper (chrysocolla) is 64.84%. At present, few studies have examined the leaching of chrysocolla. In this study, we examine the effects of several variables, including the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid, leaching temperature, and leaching time, on leaching efficiency. Using a response surface methodology, we develop a quadratic model relanbting all the above experimental variables with leaching efficiency. The resulting model is highly consistent with experimental data. According to the model, the factor with the greatest influence on leaching efficiency is the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid. According to the model, the optimal leaching conditions are 85 kg/t concentrated sulfuric acid, a leaching temperature of 68.51 °C, and a leaching time of 4.36 h. The actual measured leaching efficiency under these conditions is 85.86%, which is close to the value of 86.79% predicted by the model. We study the leaching processes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) surface scan analyses. Both methods allow us to explore the content of the main element and visually observe its distribution, allowing us to develop effective methods for treating low-grade oxide ores.
Highlights
Copper is a type of metal that is widely distributed in nature
The copper mineral composition and chemical composition of the flotation tailings were analyzed by phase analysis and chemical element analysis techniques, respectively, and the mineral species were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD)
Leaching temperature has no significant effect on the leaching efficiency at the concentrations of sulfuric acid considered
Summary
Copper is a type of metal that is widely distributed in nature. This element has numerous useful properties and can form an alloy with various elements. Minerals 2018, 8, 165 method, which has been considerably studied in recent years, is to use beneficiation-metallurgy combination processes. This method is very effective in recovering refractory copper oxide. We use the response surface methodology to study the low grade and high-oxidation rate of flotation tailings These flotation tailings are difficult to recycle, and contain a proportion of refractory combination oxide copper (chrysocolla) as high as 64.84%. There is not much literature reporting the examination of the leaching of chrysocolla using the response surface methodology We use such a method to minimize the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid and heating costs, save energy, and reduce the negative environmental impacts of the technology. The method can be used to predict leaching efficiency under different conditions, allowing us to develop effective methods for treating low-grade oxide ores
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