System and process for progressive refractory ore transformation for copper leaching

A system for recovery of copper from copper ore, comprising:

• an ore crusher;
• one or more agglomeration device(s);
• a heap of copper ore and a solids conveyor adapted to transport ore from the crusher to the agglomeration device(s) and from the agglomeration device(s) to the heap;
• a solvent extraction (SX) loop adapted to receive Pregnant Liquor Solution (PLS) from a PLS pond, and recycle spent raffinate;
• a process island including separate supplies containing, respectively, agglomerating solution, first reactive liquid mixture, second reactive liquid mixture, and leaching solution;
• piping adapted to provide fluid communication between each of the separate supplies to the heap;
• an impermeable pad at the base of the heap from which copper-containing solution is withdrawn;
• and
• a plurality of separate ponds provided in fluid communication with the heap for containing copper-containing solution withdrawn from the heap.