Abraham Backit Gutierrez, Head of Metallurgical Research.
The leaching of primary copper sulfide minerals is a very complex process due to the refractory nature of these minerals. This challenge has been faced at the industry level without success to the minute. Overcoming this complex issue has not been successful and that is why the Cuprochlor-T project seeks to implement a process that allows chalcopyrite leaching in chloride medium and with temperature, with competitive recoveries.
It consists of implementing a process that allows chalcopyrite leaching in chloride medium and with temperature, with competitive recoveries. Validation has already been done in laboratory tests and the next steps consider testing on a semi-industrial scale to scale up the process.
1. Demonstrate that competitive recoveries (target over 70%) of high chalcopyrite copper can be obtained using the Cuprochlor-T leaching methodology.
2. Viabilize resources that today are not economically exploitable, such as low-grade sulfides.
