Copper oxide leaching method replacing sulfuric acid with non-polluting organic leaching agent

摘要

Process for the leaching of copper oxide without the utilization of sulphuric acid wherein it comprises impregnating said copper oxide using an organic non contaminant leaching agent which consists in a aqueous solution composed by tricarboxylic acid (C 6 H 8 0 7 ) in combination with water, in a mixture with an acidity varying between pH 1.0 to 5.0; obtain copper citrate; and optionally irrigates again said impregnated copper oxide with said organic non contaminant leaching agent, obtaining a copper citrate more concentrated.