Author: E. Robles
Hydrocopper 2009 Conference, V International Copper Hydrometallurgy Workshop, May 2009
Abstract
The various hydrometallurgical processes developed in the last two decades to recover copper from chalcopyrite concentrates are now valid technical options that mining companies may consider in their evaluations of copper sulphide resources. However, so far they have been developed more for niche applications than for general applications. The industry is still waiting for a hydrometallurgical technology that can complete on a total operating cost basis with the conventional smelting - converting and electro-refining process. The use of energy, in the form of electricity and fuel, and the consumption of chemical reagents such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulphuric acid, lime/limestone are major components of the operating cost for these processes. This paper addresses the effect of the above cost components as the main quantitative factors that will influence the use of different technologies under different circumstances. This analysis is required to compare and contrast the alternative processes in order to make an informed selection for a particular application.
