Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University (Saint Petersburg, Russia)

Aleksandrova T. N., Head of Chair, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor, Aleksandrova_TN@pers.spmi.ru
Lyublyanova V. A., Postgraduate Student, lyublyanova.spb.lera@yandex.ru

This study investigates methods to improve copper extraction during the chemical enrichment of copper ores. Thermodynamic analyses of the leaching reactions for azurite, malachite, chalcopyrite, and chrysocolla were conducted, supporting the use of elevated temperatures to intensify the process. The impact of oxidizing agents on copper recovery from these minerals was assessed, allowing the minerals to be ranked by increasing metal yield in the presence of oxidizers: malachite → azurite → chrysocolla → chalcopyrite. The application of energy-based techniques, such as microwave and ultrasonic irradiation, was shown to accelerate the leaching process and reduce reaction times. Microwave treatment was most effective for chalcopyrite, attributed to the breakdown of passivation layers and rapid heating. The minerals were ranked by the degree of microwave enhancement as follows: azurite → chrysocolla → malachite → chalcopyrite. Ultrasonic irradiation resulted in the greatest increase in copper extraction for chrysocolla and chalcopyrite, due to the mechanical disruption of silicon dioxide and sulfur passivation layers formed during leaching. Under ultrasonic treatment, the minerals were ranked by increasing copper recovery: malachite → azurite → chrysocolla → chalcopyrite.
This research was conducted as part of the state assignment of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation «Study of Thermodynamic Processes of the Earth Related to Deep Hydrocarbon Formation» (FSRW–2024–0008).

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