Influence of carbonate solubilisation on copper leaching from Kupferschiefer with organic acids


Influence of carbonate solubilisation on copper leaching from Kupferschiefer with organic acids

Kostudis, S.; Bachmann, K.; Kutschke, S.; Pollmann, K.; Gutzmer, J.

European Kupferschiefer deposits are one of the most important regional copper sources. Its complex structure and fine granularity demand smelting processes which require much energy and release environmentally unfriendly gases like sulphur dioxide. Thus alternative beneficiation strategies like biomining are worthwhile. Furthermore the Kupferschiefer challenges common acidophilic bioleaching approaches due to its high carbonate load consuming acid during decomposition. Therefore leaching in neutral pH ranges seems attractive. However, as decomposition of carbonates may also expose further copper minerals we investigated the influence of carbonate solubilisation on the leaching performance of organic acids. Leaching of copper from Kupferschiefer using biologically produced organic acids was proven to be feasible. Different parameters like pH, particle size and leaching temperature were evaluated. Copper solubilisation was monitored using mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The paper presents results and provides leaching strategies.

  • Contribution to proceedings
    21st International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium 2015, 05.-08.10.2015, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
    Proceedings of the 21st International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium 2015
  • Advanced Materials Research 1130(2015), 278-281
    DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1130.278

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-21724
Publ.-Id: 21724