Optimization of the leaching conditions of chalcopyrite/pyrite concentrate in “Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex” using response surface methodology

In this study, the leaching conditions of chalcopyrite/pyrite concentrate were optimized by sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide using response surface methodology (RSM). Dissolution concentration of Fe(2+), Cu(2+) and then Fe(3+) can accelerate the dissolution of chalcopyrite by controlling redox potential. Optimizing thedissolution of copper and iron is crucial to achieve the highest dissolution of chalcopyrite. The optimal leaching conditions were found to be a sulfuric acid concentration of 150 g/L, a hydrogen peroxide volume of 350 mL, a temperature of 80°C, a leaching time of 8h and a solid-liquid ratio of 0.52 g mL(-1). After analysis of variance (ANOVA), the sulfuric acid concentration and temperature were the most significant process variables for the leaching concentrations of both copper and iron. Under the optimum conditions, the recovery of copper and iron was 81.83% and 67.57%, respectively.

Keywords:

chalcopyrite , pyrite , response surface methodology , copper