Sulfidization of sulfide ores for hydrometallurgical extraction of copper and other metals
OwnerAlexander Beckmanninventor
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method for the extraction of metals from copper sulphide and/or copper iron sulphide ores with microbiological- and chemical-type leaching steps for dissolution of the metals, which comprises the following steps: 1) In a conversion step, prior to the leaching steps, the ores are converted to covellite, pyrites and admixed sulphides by the addition of sulphur, and 2) copper and other metals, noble metals and rare earths contained in the reaction product are extracted.
Claims14
A process for extracting metals from copper-sulfidic and/or copper/iron-sulfidic ores comprising leaching steps of microbiological or chemical nature for leaching out the metals, characterized in that
- 1. the ores are converted to covelline, pyrite and accompanying sulfides by the addition of sulfur and additives in a conversion step interposed prior to the leaching steps;
- and
- 2. copper and other metals, precious metals and rare earths contained in the reaction product are extracted.
The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conversion is performed in an inert atmosphere.
The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conversion is performed at a temperature of between room temperature and 501° C., especially at 410° C.
The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conversion is promoted by microwave irradiation.
The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conversion is effected for a period of from 0.5 h to 24 h, especially 2 h.
The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that sulfur is added in stoichiometric amounts.
The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that sulfur is added in a solid state and the conversion is effected under a pressure of up to 10 bar.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.