Leaching of primary copper sulfide ore in chloride-ferrous media

Abstract

Copper extraction from primary copper sulfide ore from a typical porphyry copper deposit from Antofagasta, Chile, was investigated after leaching with a chloride-ferrous media at two temperatures. The study focused on whether this chemical leaching system could be applied at an industrial scale. Leaching tests were conducted in columns loaded with approximately 50 kg of agglomerated ore; the ore was first cured for 14 days and then leached for 90 days. The highest copper extraction, 50.23%, was achieved at 32.9◦ C with the addition of 0.6 kg of H2 SO4 per ton of ore, 0.525 kg of NaCl per ton of ore, and 0.5 kg of FeSO4 per ton of ore. In respect to copper extraction, the most effective variables were temperature and the addition of NaCl.