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SHORT COURSE

A-Z of Copper Ore

Leaching

Melbourne, Australia
www.altamet.com.au

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Table 2 Composition of Some Copper Oxide Minerals

MINERAL

COMPOSITION

%Cu

SG

AZURITE

2Cu2CO3.Cu(OH)2

55.3

3.7

MALACHITE

CuCO3.Cu(OH)2

57.6

3.6-4.1

CHRYSOCOLLA

CuSiO3.2H2O

36.1

2-2.4

TENORITE

CuO

79.7

6.5

CUPRITE

Cu2O

88.8

6.1

DIOPTASE

CuSiO3.H2O

40.3

3.2

BROCHANTITE

CuSO4.3Cu(OH)2

56.2

4.0

ATACAMITE

CuCl2.3Cu(OH)2

59.5

3.8

PSEUDO MALACHITE

Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4.H2O

53.5

4.3

NATIVE COPPER

Cu

100

8.96

Notes:
1. A basic knowledge of the solubilities of copper minerals, and the reaction chemistry involved, lays the
foundation for the evaluation of ores for leaching.
2. A basic knowledge of the behaviour of gangue minerals in contact with the lixiviant is another key in
assessing ores for leaching.
3. CO2 can benefit bio-leaching of sulphide minerals and mixed oxide/sulphide ores, as it promotes bacterial
growth. On the debit side, release of CO2 can hinder solution percolation in heap leaching, and is a
potential hazard particularly in agitated and vat leaching plants due to accumulation in enclosed and low
lying areas.

4. High silica in the leach solution can cause leach solution clarification problems and phase disengagement
and crud problems in associated solvent extraction facilities.
5. The presence of chloride in the leach solution above about 1 g/L can render 316 stainless steel unsuitable
for use in equipment, and result in the need to use more expensive alloys. High chloride can also result in
the need for additional equipment in SX to keep it out of the associated EW.
A-Z of Copper Ore Leaching

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FIG. 9 SEPON FLOWSHEET (Sepon Hydromet, S. Keokhounsy, T. Moore and M. Liu, ALTA Copper
2006)

A-Z of Copper Ore Leaching

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