Systems and methods for the electrochemical conversion of chalcopyrite to enable hydrometallurgical extraction of copper

A system for production of copper ions, comprising:

• a source of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2);
• an electrochemical reactor in communication with the source of CuFeS2, the electrochemical reactor including:
• an anode covered by a porous separator;
• a cathode;
• an electrolyte in communication with the anode and the cathode;
• and
• at least one product outlet,
• a first product stream in communication with the at least one product outlet, the first product stream including cuprite (Cu2O);
• a source of Fe3+ ions in communication with the first product stream;
• and
• a second product stream in communication with the first product stream, the second product stream including copper ions.

A system for production of copper ions, comprising:

• a source of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2);
• a source of Fe3+ ions;
• an electrochemical reactor in communication with the source of CuFeS2 and the source of Fe3+ ions, the electrochemical reactor including:
• an anode;
• a cathode;
• an electrolyte in communication with the anode and the cathode;
• a potentiostat;
• and
• at least one product outlet,
• and,
• a product stream in communication with the at least one product outlet, the product stream including copper ions,
• wherein the ratio of cathode surface area (cm2) to reactor volume (mL) is above about 0.15, and the potentiostat operates the electrochemical reactor at a current density less than about 50 mA/cm2.