MODULAR DEVICE AND METHODS FOR COPPER EXPLOITATION FROM WASTE, FLOTATION WASTE, MINE WATERS AND WASTE WATERS

摘要

The RTB BOR-Majdanpek mine has been exploited for more than one hundred years so today we have a mine with extremely low concentration of copper (below 0,6 % per tonne). What we also have is 1500 km2¿ of degraded area. Our wish is to find a satisfactory way of dealing with this problem in order to prolong the "life" of the mine for the period of the next 10-20 years and to carry out a refurbishment of the degraded area. Having this in mind, we have developed methods and equipment which are based on the technologies that have already been tested in this area, and specifically on selective ion exchange of copper ions. Our methods and equipment are able to satisfy both ecological and economical criteria. Application of ion exchange resins and modular construction technologies will significantly cut down the expenses of installation, service and exploitation. Even though the starting point was non-profit making copper concentration below 0.03 %, we have managed to develop methods and equipment that are economically speaking and technically speaking applicable.