Use of solvent extraction to remove bismuth and antimony from copper electrolyte at the San Manuel refinery

摘要

The charge for the copper refinery is a mixture of anodes produced at San Manuel from BIIP source concentrate and copper purchased from external sources. Control of unwanted impurities in the tankhouse is very important and beneficial. Currentlyavailable removal/recovery technologies were reviewed for the control of bismuth and antimony levels in the electrolyte. Recent studies have focused on solvent extraction (SX) technology and generated successful results for the removal and subsequentrecovery of bismuth and antimony. The SX system employs the reagent, ACORGA SBX-50, in conjunction with a patented high chloride stripping system. The latter enables recycle of the eluant, avoiding the high costs associated with conventional systems, such as regeneration of resin. Concerns over potential transfer of organics and chloride ion to the electrolyte were readily addressed, solved and demonstrated using conventional, established technology. This paper describes the benefits of electrolytepurification, the flexibility afforded by the SX system, the operational practices necessary for maintaining adequate control of bismuth and antimony impurities in the electrorefining environment and possibilities for future development/exploitation ofthe Zeneca SX system at the San Manuel refinery.