METHODS OF COPPER EXTRACTION

摘要

The hydrometallurgical copper extraction processes of the present teachings generally including two steps: a conditioning or activating step using low concentrations of ammonia and ammonium in an aqueous solution; and an acid leaching step. The processes of the present teachings can be performed at low temperature, for example, at ambient temperature, and at atmospheric pressure.

主权项

1. A method of extracting copper from a copper ore or a copper concentrate, the method comprising:
contacting a copper ore or a copper concentrate with an aqueous solution comprising ammonia and ammonium in the presence of an oxygen gas-containing fluid to provide a solid activated copper ore or a solid activated copper concentrate, wherein the aqueous solution has a pH between about 8 to 9.5; and leaching the solid activated copper ore or the solid activated copper concentrate with an acid to provide a pregnant leaching solution.