Copper Solvent Extraction on the African Copperbelt: From Historic Origins to World-Leading Status
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/Abstract
Approximately 20% of current world copper cathode production is produced using a hydrometallurgical process route, generally referred to as the leach–solvent extraction–electrowinning flowsheet. Since its commercialisation in the late 1960s, steady improvements in the performance and efficiency of the solvent-extraction reagents and equipment, combined with significant developments in leaching and electrowinning, have made an ever-widening range of ore types amenable to this technology. Following successful implementation on all major continents, a large proportion of growth in recent years derives from the re-emergence of copper solvent extraction in the Central African Copperbelt. This review provides a brief history of the development and evolution of copper solvent extractants and mixer-settler contactors, and the significance of the Copperbelt region in commercialisation of the technology. The opportunities and challenges presented by the abundant high-grade oxide ores in this region are contrasted with the processing of solutions derived from the low-grade mixed oxide–sulfide ore bodies that are prevalent in other geological regions. Current status of hydrometallurgical copper production in this region, within a global context, and a medium-term outlook for the technology are discussed.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Owen S. Tinkler, Kathryn Clare Sole
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