Resumo

TINKLER, O.S.  e  SOLE, K.C.. Copper solvent extraction on the African Copperbelt: From historic origins to world-leading status. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2023, vol.123, n.7, pp.349-356. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2906/2023.

Approximately 20% of current world copper cathode output is produced using a hydrometallurgical process route, generally referred to as the leach-solvent extraction-electrowinning flowsheet. Since its commercialization 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 achieving commercialization and acceptance of the technology. The opportunities and challenges presented by the abundant high-grade oxide ores of the Copperbelt are contrasted with the processing of solutions derived from the low-grade mixed oxide-sulfide ore bodies that are prevalent in other geological regions. The current status of hydrometallurgical copper production in the African Copperbelt, within a global context, and a medium-term outlook for the technology are discussed.

Palavras-chave : copper; solvent extraction; review; history; African Copperbelt; Zambia; Democratic Republic of Congo.

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