Leaching of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) with an imidazolium-based ionic liquid in the presence of chloride. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aguirre, Claudia L.; Toro, Norman; Carvajal, Norma; Watling, Helen; Aguirre, Carolina
• Is Part Of: Minerals engineering. Volume 99(2016)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Chalcopyrite leaching -- Ionic liquids -- 1-Butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hydrogen sulphate-sodium chloride; Mines and mineral resources -- Periodicals; Ressources minérales -- Périodiques; Mines and mineral resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2016.09.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-6875

Abstract

Highlights: Copper extraction from CuFeS2 is independent of [bmim][HSO4 ] concentration. Temperature and chloride exert a synergistic effect CuFeS2 dissolution. The activation energy is 60.4 kJ/mol consistent with chemical control. A quadratic model was developed to predict Cu extraction from CuFeS2 . Abstract: The effects of independent variables such as, temperature, concentration of ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hydrogen sulphate, [bmim][HSO4 ]), chloride and sulphuric acid on copper extraction from chalcopyrite (CuFeS2 ) ore were studied by surface optimization methodology. The Central Composite Face approach and a quadratic model were applied to the experimental design. The optimal copper extraction conditions given by the above methodology were 20% (v/v) of [bmim][HSO4 ] in water, 100 g L −1 chloride, and 90 °C. The concentration of chloride and the temperature together exert a synergistic effect in enhancing chalcopyrite dissolution. Experimental data were fitted by multiple regression analysis to a quadratic equation and analyzed statistically. A model was developed for predicting copper extraction from CuFeS2 ore with variables such as Cl −, [bmim][HSO4 ], H2 SO4 concentrations and temperature in the range studied. The activation energy was calculated to be 60.4 kJ/mol (temperature range 30–90 °C), indicative of chemical control of the reaction and [bmim][HSO4 ] acts as an acid in the reaction.