Work

Effects of Microwave Energy and MnO2 from Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodules as an Oxidizing Agent on the Leaching of Chalcopyrite Concentrate

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The mineral chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is inherently resistant to conventional leaching techniques, necessitating the intensification of the leaching process to achieve efficient metal recovery. Microwave-assisted leaching, combined with the application of a suitable oxidizing agent, presents a viable approach to enhancing the dissolution rate of metals in solutions. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of microwave irradiation on the leaching behavior of chalcopyrite concentrate in a hydrochloric acid (HCl) medium, employing deep-sea polymetallic nodules (DSP) as the oxidizing agent. The influence of acid concentration and microwave power on copper extraction efficiency was examined. Optimal copper extraction was observed at an HCl concentration of 5 M and a microwave power of 750 W. The results indicate that DSP nodules serve as a more effective oxidizing agent than pyrolusite in acidic oxidative microwave-assisted leaching of chalcopyrite, particularly in terms of copper recovery. Analytical techniques employed for the characterization of leach residues and solutions included Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).

Source: Minerals

DOI: 10.3390/min15090914

Authors: Martina Laubertová, Oksana Velgosová, Jana Pirošková, Jaroslav Briančin

Institutions: Technical University of Košice, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geotechnics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Metal Extraction and Bioleaching

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV