Process for the rapid leaching of chalcopyrite in the absence of catalysts

摘要

A process is provided for the leaching of copper from chalcopyrite using ferric sulfate in which acceptable rates of leaching are achieved by controlling the surface potential of the chalcopyrite to an empirically determined "window" within the broad range of 350 to 450 mV. The most effective process conditions involve the selection of the said surface potential; the leach temperature; the pH of the leach solution; and the fineness of the grind of the chalcopyrite. The invention may be applied to both tank leaching and heap leaching processes.