Copper Extraction from Chalcopyrite Through a Two-Step Non-Oxidative/oxidative Leaching Process
Loading...
Authors
Rasouli, Abtin
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Hydrometallurgy , Leaching , Chalcopyrite
Alternative Title
Abstract
Despite their challenges, hydrometallurgical methods can be successfully utilized to extract copper from copper sulfide minerals, and in particular, chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). A slow dissolution rate caused by passive film formation is considered to be the main challenge of low temperature hydrometallurgical processes. To overcome chalcopyrite passivation and enhance copper extraction from the mineral, several biological and chemical leaching methods have been developed over the last few decades. Nevertheless, among hydrometallurgical methods, the main focus has always been on the oxidation (oxidative leaching) of chalcopyrite since the other types of leaching, such as non-oxidative and/or reductive, would not be able to extract as much copper as oxidative leaching. In spite of this, from both thermodynamic and surface studies, it has been shown that chalcopyrite is more difficult to leach than the other copper sulfides such as chalcocite (Cu2S) and covellite (CuS), and the conversion of chalcopyrite to these forms of sulfide can be achieved through non-oxidative and/or reductive leaching methods. As a result, in this thesis a novel process was studied that takes advantage of both non-oxidative and reductive mechanisms to convert chalcopyrite into other sulfide/sulfate forms and improve copper extraction from the mineral.
To achieve this, sulfuric acid leaching of chalcopyrite was carried out under conditions that the mineral could undergo non-oxidative and reductive mechanisms, followed by oxidative leaching using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent. Various key factors were identified and optimized to maximize copper dissolution throughout the process, including temperature, pulp density, stirring speed, leaching time, acid concentration, and particle size. After optimizing the parameters, a copper recovery of 82% was obtained through non-oxidative/oxidative leaching of chalcopyrite, while 93% copper recovery was achieved through a two-step consecutive leaching process.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States