Dissolution kinetics of a low-grade oxide-sulfide copper ore with high silica content: Laboratory studies and statistical modeling
摘要
In this study, copper extraction from low-grade oxide-sulfide ores was investigated using a leaching method combined with response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize operational conditions and assess leaching kinetics. Given copper’s extensive industrial applications, sustainable recovery from low-grade ores is critical. Five key parameters-acid concentration, leaching time, particle size, temperature, and solids percentage-were identified as major influences on copper recovery. The results revealed that leaching time and solids percentage, along with interactions between temperature-time and temperature-solids percentage, had the most significant effects. Optimal conditions for 80% copper recovery while minimizing iron recovery below 3% included an acid concentration of 1.21 mol