what's happening in copper hydromet - ALTA Metallurgical Services
what's happening in copper hydromet - ALTA Metallurgical Services
what's happening in copper hydromet - ALTA Metallurgical Services
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GALVANOX PROCESS<br />
• Be<strong>in</strong>g developed by UBC, Canada. Involves atmospheric<br />
agitated leach<strong>in</strong>g under “galvanic” conditions at about 80°C<br />
• Takes advantage of the galvanic effect between chalcopyrite<br />
and pyrite to break down the passivation layer for chalcopyrite.<br />
• In the leach reactors, chalcopyrite is leached selectively at low<br />
potential <strong>in</strong> the presence of the pyrite catalyst, produc<strong>in</strong>g a solid<br />
sulphur residue. Ferric iron is generated by oxygen sparg<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• A proportion of the solution is sent through a small<br />
oxyhydrolysis autoclave at 220°C to precipitate iron as hematite,<br />
and regenerate acid while generat<strong>in</strong>g heat for the atmospheric<br />
leach step. Copper recovery is by SX-EW.<br />
• Has been operated up to pilot plant scale.<br />
• Recent developments <strong>in</strong>clude use of silver as a catalyst to<br />
enhance leach k<strong>in</strong>etics, and activated carbon as a catalyst for<br />
treat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>copper</strong>-arsenic ores.<br />
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