Affordable and Sustainable Extraction of Copper from Indigenous Sulfide Ore: A Hydrometallurgical and Electrochemical Approach
摘要
This study presents an affordable and sustainable approach to extracting copper from sulfide ore, emphasizing hydrometallurgy and direct electrochemical reduction. The investigation includes an analysis of leaching methods and electro-metallurgical parameters, such as pH optimization and effect of voltages, to enhance the concentration of copper minerals. The copper ore undergoes crushing and pulverization, with subsequent analysis through X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirming its sulfide nature (Cu7S4). Hydrometallurgy involves leaching the ore with hydrochloric and nitric acid to obtain copper leachate. Sodium hydroxide reduces copper ions (Cu+2) to copper metal, and filtered copper precipitates are characterized using XRF for enriched elemental composition. In the electrochemical reduction process, green leachate in a beaker, connected to graphite and copper electrodes with a DC power supply, results in the reduction of copper ions to metals at the cathode electrode. The precipitates are dried and characterized by XRF. Process parameters, including pH and effect of voltages, significantly impact recovery and enrichment during electrochemical reduction. The utilization of indigenous ore is highlighted as a potential driver for innovation and development in Pakistan. Furthermore, proposing small-scale setups in remote areas of Balochistan is seen as a means to reduce local poverty by creating job opportunities for the residents.