PROCESS FOR THE RECOVERY OF COPPER AND AMMONIUM SULPHATE FROM COPPER-BEARING MINERAL SULPHIDE ORES OR CONCENTRATES

摘要

The process involves subjecting finely divided particles of copper-bearing mineral sulphide ores or concentrates to a first stage leach in which the particles are leached in an aqueous ammoniacal ammonium carbonate solution in the presence of free oxygen to provide a first stage leach slurry which contains dissolved copper values. Residue is separated from the first stage leach slurry and is subjected to attrition in order to rub off an outer layer therefrom and expose surfaces of the residue beneath the layer. The resulting residue is passed to a second stage leach which is carried out in the same way as the first leach. Solution is removed from the second leach stage and is recycled to the first leach stage. The first stage leach solution is further treated for recovery of copper and ammonium sulphate.