Historically, the most abundant source of copper has been chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). Copper can be produced through pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical processes. Several new pyrometallurgical processes have emerged over the years which improve upon the traditional roasting, smelting and converting process. Hydrometallurgical processing of copper concentrates has seen renewed interest since the success of heap leaching along with the commercial development of efficient solvent extraction and electrowinning technology. The most common hydrometallurgical process involves the extraction of copper by leaching the ore with ammonia or sulphuric acid.
Copper is commonly used in electrical equipment such as wiring and motors. This is because copper has excellent heat and electrical conductive.
Range of Capabilities:
- Metallurgical testplans
- Project management
- Metallurgical summary reports
- Flowsheets
- Mass balances
- P&IDs
- Vendor evaluation
- Project implementation
- Engineering studies
- Environmental studies
- Process description/Equipment lists
- Detailed design
Please send through your enquiry today via email to info@metsengineering.com and we will call you to discuss your project.
Project Experience:
| Client | Project | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Blackthorn Resources | Kitumba Project | Scoping Study |
| National Iranian Copper Co | Sarchesmeh Project | Concentrator Plant Expansion |
| Citadel Resources | Jabal Sayid Project | Pre-Feasibility Study |
| Zambezi Resources | Kangaluwi | Metallurgical Consulting & Testwork |
| Snowden Mining Consultants | CopperCo Lady Annie Project | Heap Leach Review |
| Genesis Minerals Ltd | Merceditas Project | Metallurgical Testwork |
| Lippo Group | Copper Smelter Technology | Review & Site Visits |
| Aditya Birla | Nifty Operations | Cathode Prediction Project Optimisation |
| Birla Nifty Pty Ltd | Nifty Operations | Heap Leach Site Visit & Restart Estimate |
| Sandfire Resources | De Grussa | Metallurgical Testwork |
| Golder | Asmara Copper Project | Due Diligence |
| CIC | Batu Hijau | Project Review |
| Audley Capital | Mantos Blancos | Due Diligence |
| Audley Capital | Mantovere | Due Diligence |
| Standard Chartered | Lafayette | Bank Due Diligence |
Sharing Our Knowledge:
Copper Extraction Course
A concise overview of the specific unit processes associated with copper processing is provided to participants including sound technical information regarding copper’s geological occurrence, mineralogy and mining techniques. Comminution and beneficiation (including froth flotation) of copper ores is included, supported by a range of industry examples. Participants from any background could benefit from this course as prior knowledge is not required. Read more about our course here.