This technology is an efficient and environmentally friendly method to leach chalcopyrite, one of the most abundant sources of copper and has been demonstrated to yield a copper recovery above 95%, compared to the current recovery of only 50%. The method does not use a smelter or an autoclave for extraction and can be conducted at ambient conditions in mining. This approach is effective across a wide range of pH solutions, is more simple and efficient than current methods, and reduces costs while supporting environmental sustainability. Background: Smelting, one of the primary techniques to leach chalcopyrite, must be performed at a very high temperature and is highly energy intensive. It also releases toxic particulates containing arsenic and lead, introducing serious health and environmental concerns. An alternative method is pressure leaching, but this requires very high temperatures and pressures, hindering its application in industry. Chloride leaching is another alternative, but it requires harsh, corrosive, and environmentally unfriendly chemicals which can be damaging to equipment, expensive, and harmful to the environment. Chalcopyrite is resistant to acid leaching with a slow and low metal recovery. This novel chalcopyrite leaching method provides a more sustainable hydrometallurgical process at ambient conditions while being efficient and effective. Applications:
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