Process for the hydrometallurgical recovery of valuable quantities of metal from sulphide materials containing copper

摘要

A process for the hydrometallurgical recovery of valuable quantities of metal, particularly copper, from sulphide materials containing copper, in which the material is conventionally crushed and caused to react with a solution containing less than 3 moles per litre of chloride ion, and optionally as little as 15 g/litre, together with sulphate ions with the continuous injection of oxygen and vigorous agitation. The reaction can take place at a pH within the range 0.5-4, at a moderate pressure as low as atmospheric pressure and a moderate temperature below the boiling point of the solution, such as 85 degree C.