摘要 |
<p>A process for extracting copper from a copper bearing ore or concentrate which comprises immersing the ore or concentrate in an electrolyte, intimately mixing with the slurry so formed finely dispersed air or other oxygen containing gas and maintaining the pH of the mixture at between 1,5 and 7,0 throughout the process. Iron is solubilized in the process and precipitated as ferric oxide and the copper is taken into solution. The process is conducted at substantially atmospheric pressure and at temperatures of from 50 DEG C to the boiling point of the electrolyte. The electrolyte is acidic and contains chloride ions in a concentration between that sufficient to maintain in solution any cuprous ions present and saturation.</p> |