Newcrest Mining is investigating the use of In-Situ Leaching (ISL) technology for a number of potential targets. One possible application is the recovery of copper from remnant low-grade ore from conventional Block Cave mining. In some cases low-grade ore remains at the top of the Cave already fractured.Treatment these low-grade ores through conventional crush-mill-flotation processes is often not economic. As part of on-going investigation, dilute sulphuric acid leaching for recovery of copper has been completed in bottle rolls and in small scale columns (with additional larger scale columns planned).A description of the potential development path for ISL application to such ores is presented.
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