Technical and economic feasibility study for a copper mine and mill using segregation, leaching, solvent extraction and electro-winning

Abstract

This report deals with recently perfected technological developments that may add to the world's future copper supply. A laboratory study of the applicability of the segregation process to a high carbonate copper ore was performed. Segregation is a process in which copper ores are roasted with a small amount of coal and salt. The salt reacts with the ore to form hydrogen chloride which attacks the copper minerals and converts them to copper chlorides. The copper chlorides volatilize, migrate from the ore particles and are reduced to metallic copper on the coal particles.