Copper sulfide flotation concentrates leaching

The improved capabilities of LIX 64 N reagent for recovery, purification, and concentration of copper values from acidic leach liquors were described by DeMent and Merigold (DlO). The leaching of copper sulfide flotation concentrates with subsequent recovery of copper by LIX 64 N was shown to be technically feasible. This extractant loads and strips faster, is more effective in extracting copper from a lower pH solution, has considerably less secondary entrainment, has better iron rejection, and may be used at levels up to 30 vol. % in kerosene without aqueous entrainment. Use of the reagent in operating pilot and commercial plants is also discussed. 

Derivation Varies with the type of ore. With sulfide ores, the steps may be (1) concentration (of low-grade ores) by flotation and leaching, (2) roasting, (3) formation of copper matte (40-50% Cu), (4) reduction of matte to blister copper (96-98%), (5) electrolytic refining to 99.9+% copper. 

Sulfide Ores ores. In the Zairian ores, cobalt sulfide as carroUite is mixed with chalcopyrite and chalcocite [21112-20-9]. For processing, the ore is finely ground and the sulfides are separated by flotation (qv) using frothers. The resulting products are leached with dilute sulfuric acid to give a copper—cobalt concentrate that is then used as a charge in an electrolytic cell to remove the copper. Because the electrolyte becomes enriched with cobalt, solution from the copper circuit is added to maintain a desirable copper concentration level. After several more steps to remove copper, iron, and aluminum, the solution is treated with milk of lime to precipitate the cobalt as the hydroxide. 

Sherritt ammonia pressure leaching. This hydrometallurgical process was first implemented in 1954 by Sherritt Gordon Mines in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada. In this process, the finely ground nickel sulfide concentrates obtained after flotation or the metal matte are reacted at 80 to 95°C in a high-pressure autoclave under 850 kPa with an oxygenated ammonia or ammonia-ammonium sulfate liquor. Ammonia dissolves nickel and, to a lesser extent, cobalt, zinc, and copper by forming soluble ammonia complex cations as follows ... 

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