Extraction of copper from chalcopyrite concentrates without sulfuric acid generation via chlorination

A gaseous chlorination process for the hydrometallurgical treatment of a chalcopyrite concentrate was investigated. The overall process is visualized to consist of low-temperature chlorination-selective oxidation, followed by aqueous chloride leaching and SX-EW for producing electrolytic copper, elemental sulfur and ferric oxide. In this article, the chlorination phase of the process is described. Initially, the chlorination behavior of chalcopyrite concentrate micropellets was investigated using a small batch-type fluidized bed reactor. The optimum conditions thereby established were used in continuous chlorination tests. The chlorinated products thus prepared were used in the selective oxidation phase of the investigation.