Wider applications for the Mount Gordon ferric leach process

摘要

Hydrometallurgical routes for producing copper metal directly from run of mine ore have been the subject of much research and interest for many decades. The only process to attain full scale commercial success outside of bacterial heap leaching is the Mount Gordon Ferric Leach Process pioneered by Western Metals at its Mount Gordon Operation in Australia. This innovative technology, while not without commissioning problems, has within the space of two years exceeded its nameplate capacity of 45,000 tonnes per annum of copper cathode production. With low site cash operating costs Mount Gordon is well positioned at the bottom end of the copper producer cost curve, notwithstanding its lack of by-product credits. This paper seeks to determine whether this process can be utilized for other chalcocite ore bodies with more typical head grades. The Mt Gordon Ferric Leach technology is compared with conventional processing routes of smelting and heap leaching. Key operating and economic benefits are described.