Leaching of Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) with Sodium Chloride Sulfuric Acid Solutions

Chalcopyrite type ore samples, 200 mesh size (−105, + 74 μ) were placed in hermetically sealed screw cup flasks, in contact with a solvent made of sulfuric acid 1 N and sodium chloride at different concentrations. Data indicate an appreciable dissolution of the copper in the ore in a reasonable leaching time. The experiments were carried out at room temperature. No agitation was used. Data for copper dissolution can be represented by a rate equation which is first order, in copper concentration, and the rate of copper dissolution is also a function of the chloride ion concentration. The advantages of this solvent, if used in Plowshare leaching in situ mining technology, is briefly discussed.