The Present Situation and Future of Copper Heap Leaching

The present situation of copper heap leaching is reviewed in this paper. Current techniques for improving copper extraction from sulfide ore are also discussed. Morenci mine (Arizona) has expanded its cathode copper production by the leaching-SX /EW process in parallel with the conventional flotation process since mid eighties. In March 2001, Morenci mine completed "Mine for Leach" project including closure of the concentrators and expansion of cathode copper production with a newly equipped crush-leaching system. Technical background of the conversion is discussed with efforts to improve metallurgical performance at the Morenci concentrators during last 10 years. Extraction of copper from sulfide ore is mainly decided by copper mineralization of the ore at the leaching-SX / EW process. One of the factors that made the conversion feasible at Morenci mine was chalcocite rich mineralization of the ore. Improvement in dissolution of chalcopyrite will be one of the biggest issues for future expansion of the heap leaching-SX / EW process.