DIRECT PRESSURE LEACHING OF COPPER-IRON SULPHIDES

摘要

Complex copper-iron bearing sulphides, particularly chalcopyrite, ground to at least 90 percent minus 325 mesh standard Tyler screen are leached in aqueous sulphuric acid solution containing less acid than that required to combine with the copper content of the sulphides as copper sulphate. Leaching is continued at a temperature within the range of 210 DEG F. to 250 DEG F. under an oxygen partial pressure above 100 p.s.i. until all the acid is consumed and the iron content of the solution is lowered to an acceptable level.