Bio-leaching of low-grade large porphyry chalcopyrite-containing ore
(1.Department of Mineral Engineering, Central South University of Technology, Changsha410083,P.R.China2..Center of Environmental Sciences, Beijing University, Beijing100871,P.R. China3.Wuhan Institute of Chemical Technology, Wuhan 430073,P.R. China)
Abstract: In order to economically recover the copper from the low grade copper ores, a bioleaching solvent extraction electrowinning plant with a design capacity of 2 000 t cathode copper per year in Dexing Copper Mine was operated in September, 1997. The results during the 10 month period of the industrial copper dump leaching have been obtained and the approaches have been carried out to enhance the copper dissolution from the waste rocks. The overall operation flowsheet is depicted. The problems confronted in the process and possible way for improving are discussed.
Key words: low-grade copper ores； bacterial leaching； solvent extraction； electrowinning