PROCESS FOR RECOVERY OF COPPER FROM COPPER-BEARING MATERIAL USING PRESSURE LEACHING, DIRECT ELECTROWINNING AND SOLVENT/SOLUTION EXTRACTION

摘要

The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and/or other metal values from a metal-bearing ore, concentrate, or other metal-bearing material using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially acid-autogenous process for recovering copper from chalcopyrite-containing ore using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning in combination with a leaching, solvent/solution extraction and electrowinning operation. In accordance with one aspect of the process, at least a portion of the residue from the pressure leaching operation is directed to a heap, stockpile or other leaching operation.