For any consultations call Copper Crest Trading Limited and they will help you with your ESIA, call Copper Crest Trading Limited on +260 771 701 655 or email : coppercresttrading@gmail.com.
Copper Leaching In Zambia Explained! How Copper Leaching Is Done!
There are two main methods for copper leaching: heap leaching and tank leaching.
Heap leaching is a large-scale method suitable for low-grade copper ores. Here's how it works:
- Preparation: The ore is crushed into small pieces. An impermeable pad is laid on the ground to collect the leaching solution later.
- Heap formation: The crushed ore is piled onto the pad, forming a large heap.
- Leaching: A solution, typically dilute sulfuric acid, is sprayed onto the top of the heap. This acidic solution dissolves the copper minerals in the ore.
- Collection: The copper-rich solution percolates down through the heap and is collected at the bottom.
Tank leaching is used for higher-grade ores or when finer control over the process is needed. Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Crushing and grinding: The ore is crushed and ground into a fine powder.
- Leaching tank: The ore is placed in a tank with a sulfuric acid solution.
- Mixing and agitation: The mixture is stirred or agitated to improve contact between the acid and the copper minerals.
- Separation: After leaching, the solids (leached ore) are separated from the copper-rich solution.
In both methods, the copper-rich solution then undergoes further processing to recover the copper metal. This may involve processes like solvent extraction and electrowinning.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- The choice of leaching method (heap or tank) depends on factors like ore grade, cost, and environmental regulations.
- Heap leaching has a lower upfront cost but can be slower and less efficient than tank leaching.
- Copper can also be leached using other solutions, such as weak cyanide solutions, but these are less common due to environmental concerns.
I hope this explanation helps!
For any consultations call Copper Crest Trading Limited and they will help you with your ESIA, call Copper Crest Trading Limited on +260 771 701 655 or email : coppercresttrading@gmail.com.