PROCESS FOR PREPARING A FERRIC NITRATE REAGENT FROM COPPER RAFFINATE SOLUTION AND USE OF SUCH REAGENT IN THE LEACHING AND/OR CURING OF COPPER SUBSTANCES

摘要

This invention relates to a process for preparing a ferric nitrate (Fe(NO3)3) reagent, capable of serving as a solvent and copper species oxidizing agent in the ore curing, heap leaching, and/or run of mine (ROM) leaching of a copper ore hydrometallurgical process located at a brown field or green field, from an aqueous copper raffinate solution from the copper ore hydrometallurgical process of copper ore containing iron (II) (Fe2+), and the reagent prepared pursuant to this process.

主权项

1. A process for producing a ferric nitrate reagent for use in a heap leaching stage of a copper ore hydrometallurgical process of copper ore containing iron (II) located at a green or brown field comprising:
a. Providing an aqueous copper raffinate solution from a copper organic solvent extraction stage of a copper ore hydrometallurgical process; b. Concentrating iron (II) in the aqueous copper raffinate solution; c. Forming a first mixture comprising the concentrated aqueous iron (II) solution and an acidic aqueous sodium nitrate solution; d. Effectuating an electrochemical reaction with the first mixture, wherein (i) iron (II) is oxidized to iron (III) to produce the ferric nitrate reagent, (ii) an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is produced, and (iii) water is produced; e. Forming a second mixture comprising the ferric nitrate reagent, sulfuric acid, water, and the aqueous copper raffinate solution; and f. Dosing the second mixture to the heap leaching stage.