Novel Method for Comprehensive Processing of Low-Grade Copper Concentrate

摘要

Low grade copper concentrate, composed mainly of plagioclase, quartz, pyrite, chlorite, chalcopyrite, glauconite, is a promising source for the future recovery of copper and other valuable components which processing by existing methods is not economical. An alkali fusion-leaching method followed by acid leaching for extraction of copper, aluminum, silica, iron and silver from such low-grade copper concentrate was explored in this research. The samples were characterized by using wet chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction. An alkali-fusing-leaching method for processing of low-grade copper concentrate allows to extract in a solution of 62% Si, 70% Fe, 95% Ag, 97% Al and 98% of Cu with the following optimal parameters: NaOH/concentrate mass ratio = 175%, fusion temperature = 375 °C, the fusion time = 90 min. The proposed method is suitable for the comprehensive processing of the low-grade copper concentrate.