Structural modification of chalcopyrite ore for enhanced copper recovery

Abstract

Malanjkhand copper project, Madhya Pradesh, India, generates a lot of lean sulphidic ores containing chalcopyrite (∼0.3% of copper) with traces of oxidized, semi-oxidized and secondary sulfides. EPMA analysis shows that the granitic rock samples have plagioclase feldspar, orthoclase feldspar and quartz as major constituents within which the ore minerals are sparsely distributed. Due to the complex structure and low solubility of the sulphide-bearing granitic rock, the dissolution of copper from the hard matrix is difficult. The present study deals with change in crystallographic and chemical nature of the mineral system present in the host rock. In an attempt to increase copper recovery, the ore was subjected to heating at 600°C under normal atmospheric conditions. This heat treatment resulted in enhanced copper recovery, up to 98% within 60 days of progressive leaching. © 2012 The Japan Institute of Metals.