The Extraction of Copper from Chalcopyrite Concentrate with Hydrogen Peroxide in Sulfuric Acid Solution

Abstract

Research on chalcopyrite leaching represents a great challenge, given its importance as one of the most abundant copper minerals and its significant role in global copper extraction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different parameters on chalcopyrite leaching by hydrogen peroxide as a strong oxidizing reagent in sulfuric acid solution. A series of leaching tests were carried out to investigate the effect of the solid/liquid ratio, stirring speed, temperature, oxidant and acid concentrations, and lixiviant dosing method on copper extraction from chalcopyrite concentrate. The catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide occurred in the investigated leaching system, as reflected in the obtained metal extraction values. Copper extraction was increased in the first 60 min of the reaction, after which it essentially ceased. The maximum final copper extraction of 64.5% was attained with 3.0 mol/L H2O2 in 3.0 mol/L H2SO4 at a temperature of 40 °C after 120 min of reaction. Due to the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the examined leaching system, the leaching experiment was performed with the periodic addition of lixiviant at specific time intervals as well. The dissolution process was described by the first-order kinetics equation with an apparent activation energy of ~39 kJ/mol. Finally, XRD and SEM-EDS analyses were used to characterize the leached residue, and the results showed that the formation of elemental sulfur on the chalcopyrite surface affected the dissolution process.

Radiation Techniques for Tracking the Progress of the Hydrometallurgical Leaching Process: A Case Study of Mn and Zn

“…This facilitates the diffusion of the leaching agent to the ore surface, thereby enhancing the leaching rate of Mn ions [5]. That demonstrates that the method of dissolution varies as the leaching temperature changes [10,27].…”

“…Pyrometallurgy (thermal treatment of the material containing the metals) and hydrometallurgy are well-known techniques for processing Mn and Zn minerals [4,9]. In contrast to pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgical methods involving the use of solutions for metal recovery are more ecologically friendly, efficient at recovery, use less energy, and are cost-effective [10]. These processes entail leaching, solvent extraction, and ion exchange, amongst other processes.…”