Abstract
In this paper, the leaching of a sulfide concentrate, from “Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex”, by sulfuric acid is studied. The influences of sulfuric acid concentration and leaching temperature were scrutinized to optimize the processing parameters and to disclose the kinetics of the extraction process. The leaching rate of copper was not significantly improved with enhancing the temperature and concentration of sulfuric acid. The formation of elemental sulfur was found as a reducer of the leaching rate. Only ~70% of copper was extracted by adding 1M ferric sulfate as the oxidant agent, as well as increasing the leaching temperature up to 85 °C. By leaching the mechanically activated concentrate in Fe2(SO4)3-doped H2SO4 at 85 °C, the amount of extracted copper was ~90% after 180 min. The experimental results were excellently fitted with the diffusion-controlled kinetic model as the activation energy of ~27 kJ/mol was estimated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
