C - Chemistry – Metallurgy – 22 – B
Patent
C - Chemistry, Metallurgy
22
B
C22B 3/06 (2006.01) C22B 3/26 (2006.01) C22B 3/44 (2006.01) C22B 15/00 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 2101514
A process for the extraction of copper from a sulphide copper ore or concentrate comprises subjecting the ore or concentrate to a first leaching at an elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of oxygen and a lixiviant which comprises an acidic solution of chloride and bisulphate or sulphate ions to produce an insoluble basic copper sulphate. The basic copper sulphate so produced is leached in a second leaching preferably at atmospheric pressure with an acidic sulphate solution to dissolve the basic copper salt to produce a leach liquor containing copper sulphate in solution. The resulting leach liquor is subjected to solvent extraction to produce a copper concentrate solution and a raffinate comprising protons and bisulphate or sulphate ions in solution. Protons, and bisulphate or sulphate ions are extracted from the raffinate to produce a sulphuric acid solution which sulphuric acid solution is then recycled to the first leaching at elevated pressure and temperature to serve as a source of bisulphate or sulphate ions in the lixiviant. According to a preferred embodiment, the extraction of the protons and bisulphate or sulphate ions from the raffinate is effected by means of an electrodialysis process. In alternative embodiments copper sulphate is also extracted from the raffinate and recycled to the first leaching step or alternatively a source of bisulphate or sulphate ions, such as a hydrolyzable metal sulphate, is introduced from another source.
Borden Ladner Gervais Llp
Cominco Engineering Services Ltd.
LandOfFree
Chloride assisted hydrometallurgical copper extraction does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Chloride assisted hydrometallurgical copper extraction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Chloride assisted hydrometallurgical copper extraction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFCA-PAI-O-1578427