Hyrometallurgical copper extn. - from ores contg. sulphur and iron

摘要

Ores are leached in a HNO3/H2SO4 mixt. and the soln. treated to reduce ferric and nitrate contents prior to electrowinning of high purity Cu. Specif. the soln. contg. ferrous: nitrate ratio 2-3:1, is heated at 140-200 degrees C (pref. 160-180) to reduce the nitrate-content, and the ferric-content is then reduced by pptn. as jarosite by heating in the same temp. range in the presence of air or O2, both operations effected in the same autoclave at 10-20 atmos. Cu powder may be added to reduce the Se- and Te-contents of the soln. before electrowinning. Process is economical and can be effected in a single stage, being partic. useful for low grade ores.