Work

Research on the Recovery Technology and Application of Copper Resources from Mine Wastewater at High Altitudes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, we studied the process of recovering copper from mine-leached water at an altitude of 4500 m. The process was ion exchange–esolution–nanofiltration–separation–cyclone electrodeposition. As a result, high-purity copper cathodes were produced. The study demonstrated that the maximum adsorption capacity of ion exchange resin D402 for Cu2+ reached 174.6 g/L and the efficiency of Cu2+ adsorption and eluent was found to be 97.2% and 94.2%, respectively. The results of Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that the resin contains -OH and -NH2. The lone pair electrons on O and N atoms can form coordination bonds with copper ions to form stable complexes. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that copper ions were absorbed into the resin. The recovery efficiency of Cu2+ throughout the entire process reaches 95.1%, and the purity of the resulting copper cathode reaches 99.997%. This method is distinguished by a straightforward process, minimal environmental impact, optimal operating conditions, high copper recovery efficiency, and a high copper grade.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17060856

Authors: Jianhui Wu, Xu Yan, Chengyun Zhou, Yun Meng

Institutions: Central South University, Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. (China), Hunan University

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137