Hydrometallurgical extraction of copper by reduction of chalcopyrite with aqueous phase reductant

• Main Authors: WEST ANDREW, BANTA SCOTT, WALDNER JOCHEN
• Format: Patent
• Language: Chinese; English
• Published: 16.01.2024
• Subjects: APPARATUS THEREFOR; CHEMISTRY; ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTIONOF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; METALLURGY

A copper concentrate, such as chalcopyrite, is contacted with an aqueous solution comprising an acid and a reducing agent, such as vanadium (II) ions, chromium (II) cations or tungstic zincic acid (H6ZnW12O40). The copper in the copper concentrate is reduced by the aqueous solution, and then the copper concentrate can be dissolved into the solution for recovery from the solution, or precipitated from the solution in the form of a copper compound or elemental copper, for recovery in the form of a solid phase product. The solid phase product may then be separated, dissolved, and further electrodeposited, thereby recovering the copper product from the copper concentrate. The oxidized reducing agent may be recovered in an electrochemical device having a ferrous reactant. The hydrometallurgical route to convert copper concentrate to copper may be lower in cost, less in pollution than current pyrometallurgical processes, and is an advantageous response to the environmental and economic pressure to increase copper p