Extracting copper from sulphide concentrates
OwnerMichael John Soleinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a process for extracting copper from copper-containing sulphide concentrates the concentrate is roasted to reduce the sulphur content below 1% by weight and the roasted material is then segregated in a conventional segregation process. A silica-containing substance, such as washed river sand, is added to the roasted material to bring the silica content up to about 30% and the copper content to below 30% before feeding the material to the segregation process.
Claims4
In a process for the extraction of copper from copper containing sulphide concentrates comprising the steps of roasting the concentrate to reduce the sulphur content to below 1% by weight and then treating the roasted material to the segregation process by adding a halide salt and a reductant to the roasted mterial at an elevated temperature of about 700.degree. to 800.degree. C. so that the copper segregates in the material in metallic form, the improvement comprising the step of adding to the material between 10 and 30% by weight of silica before subjecting the material to the segregation step, and completing said segregation step in less than about 60 minutes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.