Metso has launched its efficient Cu POXleaching process to address the needs of the copper extraction industry. As orecompositions change due to depletion of deposits and increasing environmentaland efficiency demands, this cutting-edge solution not only maximizes copperrecovery but also reduces environmental impact.
The Metso Cu POX process is a provenhydrometallurgical method for the treatment of copper sulphide concentrates atlower capacities. The heart of this process is Metso’s proprietaryOKTOP® Autoclave unit, where copper concentrate is oxidized under highpressure and temperature. This results in a copper-bearing pregnant leachsolution (PLS) to be further treated in solvent extraction and electrowinningprocesses, where copper is recovered as high-purity LME Grade A cathodes.
“Copper sulphide minerals require specializedleaching conditions to achieve high recovery rates. Metso’s Cu POX leachingutilizes high-temperature oxidation to convert sulphide sulphur into sulphate andsulfuric acid, ensuring efficient copper dissolution. This technology offers ahigh-performance solution with high, up to 99 per cent, copper recovery rates,ensuring maximum extraction of valuable metals from the ore. The process alsominimizes environmental impact by reducing emissions and optimizing the use ofresources through, for example, closed loop process steps reducing the use of water,”says Petteri Pesonen, Technology Manager, CopperHydrometallurgy at Metso.
The flexible and scalable Cu POX processaccommodates various capacities and raw material compositions. The pre-designedprocess and equipment package enables fast ramp-up to production and integratesseamlessly with solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX - EW) infrastructure.
The Cu POX plant can also be implemented toimprove existing heap leaching – SX – EW operations to complete depleting heapleaching PLS production. In all cases, Metso can provide end-to-end expertisefrom batch tests, modelling, and pilot tests to engineering, equipmentdeliveries and plant commissioning, and training. In addition, Metso providesservices, spare parts and digital solutions to optimize continuous process andplant performance.