The use of seawater in copper hydrometallurgical processing in Chile: A review
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Published:2023-10-05
Issue:7
Volume:123
Page:357-364
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ISSN:2225-6253
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Container-title:Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
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language:
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Short-container-title:J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall.
Author:
Astudillo Á.,Garcia M.,Quezada V.,Valásquez L.
Abstract
Seawater has become a viable alternative for different uses in copper hydrometallurgy. In this paper we review the main physical and chemical characteristics of seawater and how these influence copper production. Reliable data on the use of continental water are reported, and the current use and consumption of seawater in the Chilean mining industry is analysed, indicating the main areas of use and the main problems encountered. Additionally, the influence of the elements in seawaterthat have the most influence on the extractive metallurgy of copper are considered. The Chilean copper mining industry currently consumes approximately 4.1 m3/s of seawater, which corresponds to 25% of the total water used. The use of seawater for the leaching of copper sulphide minerals, such as chalcopyrite, is beneficial because it provides 20 g/L of chloride, thereby improving copper dissolution kinetics.
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa