Solvent extraction in copper metallurgy recovery of acid and metals from copper bleed stream

Abstract

Solvent extraction in copper metallurgy has been the first major application for producing nonferrous metals beyond the production of rare earths/nuclear metals. With the advent of solvent extrac-tion (SX), several lean grade, complex, rnultimetal and pocket deposits including byproducts could be processed to produce copper economically. Though, the SX technology is proven internationally, it has yet to find an industrial application in the Indian context. This paper outlines the possibility of using solvent extraction in copper metallurgy particularly in the Indian scenario. Specific example of the processing of copper bleed stream has also been mentioned. Some of the details and the flowsheet coven here shows how the sulphuric acid can be recov-ered from the copper bleed stream for recycling in the system. Besides, the recovery of copper and nickel in convenient form like metal sulphates and electrolytic grade metal cathodes can be taken up