PROCEDURE TO LEACH COPPER CONCENTRATES, UNDER PRESSURE AND AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, BY FORMING A COLLOIDAL MASS IN A SULFATE - CHLORIDE MEDIUM

摘要

A chemical process to leach copper concentrates in the presence of aconcentrated solution of sulfates and chlorides. The process includes formingahigh reactivity chemical colloidal mass containing a high concentration ofions inthe liquid phase of the colloidal mass which react with copper ores and formsaseries of soluble salts. The salts are extracted by a simple wash. Mixingequipment for handling high viscosity liquids is used. The total mixing timeisabout 5 minutes, after which the colloidal mass is poured into a rectangularmold,of several hundred meters per side, and is left to settle and breathe. Duringsettling, water and sulfuric acid are added at intervals to replace thatconsumedby the reactions taking place during the aeration, until the reactions havevirtuallyend. This treatment results in a dry, very resistant mass, containing thecopperextracted in form of chlorine salts, and sulfate.