Abstract:
Extraction of copper from concentrated Seruwila
Copper-Magnetite from chloride solution in the presence of
Hydrochloric acid using Lead anode and Copper cathode was
investigated. Surface and borehole samples were collected in
Arippu area of the deposit. Average copper concentration of the
surface samples was 0.14% and subsurface borehole samples
was 1.12%. Crushed borehole samples passed through the
75micron solid particles mixed with 25mg/kg of Pine oil and
250mg/kg of Xanthate and preparation of 10% solid slurry for
froth floatation. Accordingly, 9.2 g of copper concentrate was
recovered from froth floatation of 1.0kg of Copper magnetite
ore. Weighed quantity of dried copper concentrate was
dissolved in concentrated Sulfuric, Hydrochloric and Nitric
acids separately. However, optimum dissolution was recorded
when using concentrated Hydrochloric acid. The effect of the
operating variables on current density upon copper
concentration, applied potential, electrode spacing, area of
electrodes, pH, temperature and stirring velocity were studied.
The optimum variables discovered for effective electrowinning
were 20g/l, 4.6V, 2cm, 30cm2, 4.2, 55-60 0C and 300rpm
respectively. Overall copper recovery was reached to 82.14%
from ROM samples and average power consumption and
efficiency for copper extraction by electrowinning process was
6.78 kwh/kg and 72.23% respectively.
