JOURNAL PAPER

A semi-empirical kinetic model for the atmospheric leaching of a Ni-Cu converter matte in copper sulphate-sulphuric acid solution

R.M. Lamya^I; L. Lorenzen^II

^IImpala Platinum Refineries, Springs, South Africa
^IIDepartment of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

SYNOPSIS

A semi-empirical kinetic model was developed for the atmospheric leaching of a Ni-Cu matte in copper sulphate-sulphuric acid solution. Kinetics of the leaching process was studied as a function of initial copper ion concentration, initial acid concentration, temperature, stirring rate and particle size distribution. The kinetic model was developed on the basis of the leaching mechanism and chemical reactions of the leaching system investigated, and was evaluated by comparing the model predictions to experimental data. The model was found to satisfactorily fit the trends in the leaching of the metals, namely copper, nickel, cobalt and iron.

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