Copper Extraction Using Aluminum in Acidic Leachate Media

Abstract

Copper is found in several minerals with varied elemental composition. For instance, copper minerals occur as chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), bornite (Cu5FeS4), chalcocite (Cu2S), covellite (CuS), cuprite oxide (Cu2O), and malachite (Cu2CO3 (OH)2) among many other minerals. In Kenya, extraction of valuable minerals like copper is hampered by high capital and technological investment requirements. Mineral ores found in Tharaka sub – county in Tharaka Nithi County in Kenya in particular contains significant concentrations of copper which are worth extraction. These minerals cannot be exploited due to financial and technological constraints. However, efficient and cheaper methods of extraction of copper with affordable technology are currently required. Electrolysis of copper leach solution after reaction of ground ore with acid has been done. Since the available methods involve the use of large amount of power for large scale production, alternative method for extraction has been investigated. The method involves dipping aluminum in acidic leach solution at room temperatures. The copper recovered was found to contain 80 to 90% purity depending with ore composition.